Mice in Your Walls? How to Find Them and Get Them Out

You’re enjoying a quiet night with a cup of tea, Netflix humming in the background, and then—scratch... scratch... skritch. Is it the wind? A ghost? Nope. It’s probably mice in your walls.

Before you panic or start Googling “exorcists for rodents,” take a breath. You’re not alone, and the good news is: you can get rid of mice in walls without tearing your house down or burning it to the ground (although I admit, the temptation is real at 2 a.m.).

Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Are You Sure It’s Mice?

First, let’s confirm the uninvited guests. Mice in walls tend to make noise mainly at night. It’s a light scratching, scurrying, or sometimes even chewing sound, usually coming from the same spot every time.

Other telltale signs:

• Droppings near baseboards or vents (tiny, dark pellets)

• A faint musky smell, especially near outlets or under sinks

• Pets acting weird—staring at the wall like it’s hiding treats

If you’re hearing a bowling league going on inside the wall, it might actually be rats or even squirrels (yes, they do that too). But if the sounds are light and quick? Classic mouse party.

Step 2: Find the Entry Points

Here’s a not-so-fun fact: a mouse can squeeze through a hole the size of a pencil. So finding how they got in is like playing hide-and-seek with a ninja gymnast.

Check for:

• Gaps around pipes and wiring

• Cracks in the foundation

• Unsealed dryer or exhaust vents

• Loose siding or roof edges

Shine a flashlight along your home’s baseboards inside and out, and look for dark greasy smudges—mice love to reuse the same runways.

Step 3: Don’t Just Block Them In (Yet)

It’s tempting to grab a tube of caulk and seal every hole shut, but don’t do it right away. If mice are already in the walls, blocking them in means they’ll die there—and let me tell you, dead mouse smell is not the home fragrance you want.

You need to get them out first.

Step 4: Set Strategic Traps (Not Just Anywhere)

Since you can’t set a trap inside a wall (unless you moonlight as a demolition crew), the trick is to set traps along the baseboards, especially near where you suspect entry or food sources.

Pro tips:

• Use snap traps—not sticky traps. The latter are cruel and can cause unnecessary suffering.

• Bait with peanut butter or chocolate—not cheese. Mice aren’t cartoon characters.

• Place traps perpendicular to the wall, bait side against it. Mice run along walls, not across open floors.

Set multiple traps, because mice are social little invaders. Where there’s one, there’s probably a few more planning a dinner party.

Step 5: Try Natural Repellents While You Wait

While traps do the heavy lifting, natural repellents can make your walls less appealing (the mouse version of “bad Yelp reviews”).

• Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place them near entry points.

• Cloves and cayenne pepper: Sprinkle them where safe—mice hate the smell.

• Dryer sheets: Believe it or not, they’ll sometimes avoid them.

Quick Myth Buster: No, ultrasonic devices don’t magically solve the problem. They might deter mice short-term, but most rodents learn to ignore the sound like we ignore the dishwasher beep.

Step 6: Evict and THEN Seal

Once you’ve caught a few (or things go quiet for a few days), it’s time to seal the deal. Literally.

• Steel wool + caulk is your best friend. Mice can’t chew through it.

• Use hardware cloth for larger gaps (¼-inch mesh or smaller).

• Recheck seasonally, especially before winter.

If you’ve heard no scratching and caught some mice, congratulations—you’ve probably won the battle.

Step 7: Prevention = Sanity

Now, let’s make your home less mouse-lovable.

• Store food in airtight containers (even pet food).

• Wipe crumbs and spills daily. Yes, even the lazy ones behind the toaster.

• Empty trash regularly and keep lids closed.

• Fix leaky faucets. Mice get thirsty too.

Think of it like keeping your kitchen clean enough to not host a rodent rave.

Bonus: My Buddy’s Wall Mouse Saga

One time, my neighbor Dave swore his walls were haunted. He’d hear scratching every night, and things got so bad, he slept with earplugs and a white noise machine. Turns out, a single mouse had built a nest using insulation and dog fur it found under the couch.

Moral of the story? Trust the scratching.

Final Thoughts

Having mice in your walls can feel overwhelming (and kinda gross), but with a calm approach, a few traps, and some peppermint oil, you can reclaim your space. It’s not about revenge—it’s about setting healthy boundaries. For example: “No nesting behind drywall. Ever.”

Now grab a flashlight, set some traps, and take back your walls.

FAQ

What if I can’t find the entry point?
Start by sealing the obvious cracks and monitor with traps. Sometimes, airflow (or flour sprinkled near baseboards) can help you spot their traffic zones.

Will the mice leave on their own?
Unlikely. If they’ve found warmth, shelter, and a snack bar, they’re not going anywhere voluntarily. You’ll need to show them the (trap-filled) exit.