Do Mice Hibernate in The Winter

If mice are leaving outsidethen they do not hibernateHowevercertain species such as deer mice become dormant expense the entire winter sleepingThese pests would wake up from their deep slumber only to get foodThis is how they survive the cold time of year without the need for complete hibernation. 

House mice are not known to hibernate during winterThey usually take this time to deliver food head start so they have food during call seasonThis means that these rodents will force themselves to get into crosspieces just to get food 

Where else can they find food aside from the wild but in your homeThis is the main reason why mice infestations are more likely to happen in the winter than in the warmer months. 

How Do Mice Survive the Winter? 

So how do mice and other rodents survive the winter seasonWhen the temperatures droprodents do different things to keep themselves living despite the cold weather. These are the following: 

Nest 

One of the things pet rodents do such as field mice is, they build their nest out of various materialsThe nest of field mouse is usually cup-shaped and is made of any soft material they can find around their chosen spotMost of the timethe nest would look like clumps of papergrassinsulationfabric, and dust 

They used these nests not only as shelter but also their cover and a place for raising their youngWinter is when field mice are creating their nest for extra warmth and would build these in warm areas  

Usually, they will fill out the nest in a burrow in an existing structure or worsein your homeTheir search for possible nesting materials may also be the reason why these certain species of mice are drawn closer to your home. 

They will pull any loose insulation or fabric materials from vulnerable areas they can find in your houseIf ever they find an entry point while scavenging materialsthey will most likely take itThey might even find a suitable spot the builder nest inside your home. 

Burrow 

Burrowing all year round is what deer mice doTheir burrows are usually simple with one entrance and enough space to fit a single mouseThese burrows are usually dug into or under existing structures like rocks or tree stumps. 

Mice living in burrows can stay there even during winters however they cannot dig when the ground is frozenIf their burrows are deep enoughit will be warm enough for them to survive freezing temperatures 

Burrowing mice can only become a problem if they start inadvertently digging into your houseThis is more likely to happen then you expectThey will most likely borrow under your porch or deck 

While burrowingthey might find crack in the foundation or any narrow openings in the baseboard or frameIn case they dothey will follow the heat from your home and may even chew through the insulation just to get inside. 

Climb 

There are my species like the Brown mice that are known as climbersMost of the yearthey are living in tree hollowsThey usually use their ability to climb to enter any warm areas. 

Aside from treesthey can also climb and enter attics, vent systemsand roofThey would climb these areas to avoid snow and gain access to warm areas. Alsothey can access downspoutsdrainpipesvines, and even ragged siding.  

Sneak Inside Your Home 

Unfortunatelyhouse mice are the only species that can use your home as a place to stay during the winterThough filled mice infestations are rarer than house mice infestationsthey still happen especially during the cold weather. 

Most of the time field mice infestations happen when this species is trying any of the three survival techniques mentioned aboveAt firstfield mice would infest detached buildingsshedsor barns and then eventually move in your home. 

They will find any tiny holes or gaps and squeeze through to get inTo achieve effective rodent control, it is highly recommended that you keep all food items including pet food stored carefully to avoid attracting these pests. 

Since any mice species will forage food to survive the winteryou should practice pest control methods that will keep them away from your homeThis will help you prevent a mice infestation during the winter season.