As winter approaches in Dallas-Fort Worth, homeowners often prepare for cooler weather—but they’re not the only ones. Mice are also getting ready for the season, searching for warm, dry spaces to nest. Unfortunately, garages and attics are among their favorite places to settle in. Once inside, they can multiply quickly, cause property damage, and contaminate your home.
At Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control, we help homeowners across DFW, Southlake, Keller, and Fort Worth identify and eliminate rodent activity before it becomes a full infestation. Understanding the warning signs of mice in your home—especially during late fall—is key to staying ahead of the problem.
Here are five clear signs that mice may already be inside your garage or attic, and why acting before winter hits is essential for protecting your property.
1. Unusual Scratching or Scurrying Noises
One of the first and most noticeable signs of mice is unexplained noises, especially at night. Mice are nocturnal, which means they’re most active when your home is quiet.
You might hear:
- Scratching sounds in walls, ceilings, or attic floors
- Light scurrying behind insulation or stored boxes
- Faint squeaking or gnawing noises
In garages, sounds often come from behind shelves or near storage bins. In attics, they may be most noticeable in the early morning or late evening.
If you’re hearing persistent movement overhead, don’t dismiss it. Mice move fast and nest in small areas you rarely check, so those sounds likely mean you already have unwelcome guests.
2. Small Droppings Near Storage or Insulation
Another telltale sign of mice is their droppings—small, dark, and pellet-shaped, usually about the size of a grain of rice. You’ll often find them:
- Along garage baseboards or near tool benches
- In corners of attics or near insulation
- Around stored items, boxes, or pet food bags
- Beneath water heaters or near wall openings
Because mice tend to travel the same routes repeatedly, you’ll likely see droppings clustered along baseboards or corners. Fresh droppings are dark and moist; older ones are dry and crumbly.
If you’re finding droppings in multiple areas, the infestation may already be spreading. At that stage, professional rodent control is needed to stop the problem before mice move into living areas.
3. Gnaw Marks and Damaged Materials
Mice have constantly growing teeth, so they chew on nearly anything to keep them trimmed down. This destructive behavior can cause serious problems in your garage or attic.
You may notice:
- Gnaw marks on wood, cardboard, or insulation
- Chewed wiring, which poses a fire hazard
- Torn fabric, paper, or packaging materials
- Damaged food containers or pet supplies
In garages, it’s common to find chewed wires or packaging in storage bins. In attics, mice often shred insulation to create warm nests. They’ll even chew on drywall or wood beams to expand entry holes.
If you see signs of gnawing near electrical lines, it’s critical to schedule an inspection right away. The combination of nesting material and exposed wires is a fire risk many homeowners overlook.
4. Foul or Musky Odors
A strong, musty odor in your garage or attic often points to a rodent problem. Mice leave behind urine, droppings, and nesting material, all of which create a distinctive smell that grows stronger over time.
In enclosed areas like attics, this odor can become overwhelming as mice build nests and reproduce. In garages, you might notice the smell concentrated near shelves, stored pet food, or entry points where mice travel.
If the smell becomes stronger or more noticeable, it’s a sign that multiple mice are active—or that one has died inside a wall or insulation. Either way, prompt removal and sanitation are necessary to protect your indoor air quality.
5. Nests Made of Shredded Materials
Mice are resourceful nest builders. They’ll use almost anything soft or fibrous to create a warm, secure nest. Common nesting materials include:
- Shredded paper or cardboard
- Insulation pulled from walls or ceilings
- Fabric or carpet fibers
- Dried leaves or grass brought in from outside
Look for nests tucked away in hidden spaces, such as behind boxes, in wall voids, or under insulation in the attic. They’re typically small—about the size of a softball—but can grow larger as the infestation expands.
Finding a nest means mice are already breeding. Because a single mouse can produce up to 10 litters per year, swift professional intervention is the only way to stop the population from multiplying.
Why You Should Act Before Winter
Mice reproduce year-round but become more aggressive about seeking shelter as temperatures drop. By November, they’re looking for warm, stable environments to nest and raise their young—making your garage or attic prime real estate.
Addressing rodent problems before winter ensures:
- Lower infestation risk during colder months
- Reduced property damage from chewing and nesting
- Improved air quality by preventing waste buildup
- Peace of mind knowing your home is protected
Once mice establish a colony indoors, they’re far harder to remove. Acting early saves time, money, and stress—and prevents the unpleasant surprise of discovering a full nest in January.
How Jacksons Helps DFW Homeowners Stay Rodent-Free
At Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control, we provide comprehensive rodent exclusion services for homes across Dallas-Fort Worth, Southlake, Keller, and surrounding areas. Our process includes:
- Detailed inspections to locate all entry points and nesting areas
- Safe and humane removal of existing rodents
- Sealing of entry points with durable, rodent-proof materials
- Preventive treatments and follow-up visits to ensure long-term protection
We understand the local environment and the habits of North Texas rodents—so we know exactly where to look and how to stop them.
For More Support
If you’ve noticed scratching, droppings, or any signs of activity, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Mice won’t leave on their own, and by winter, they’ll be well-settled inside.
Get the help your home needs now. Jacksons Mosquito & Pest Control offers free rodent inspections and customized exclusion plans to keep your property safe, secure, and rodent-free all winter long.
When you need reliable rodent control in DFW, trust Jacksons to find them, remove them, and seal your home for good.
