How to Keep Mice Out of Your House This Winter in the White Mountains

When the temperatures drop across the White Mountains, most of us head indoors for warmth — and unfortunately, so do mice. Even though winters in Snowflake and Show Low are mild by most standards, they’re cold enough to drive rodents inside homes, garages, and businesses in search of food and shelter.

Once mice get in, they don’t just make noise — they cause real problems. From chewing wires and insulation to spreading bacteria and leaving droppings behind, a small infestation can quickly become a big issue. The good news? You can stop them before they ever make themselves at home.

Here’s what every homeowner in northern Arizona should know about keeping mice out this winter — and how Neff Exterminating can help you do it right.

1. Why Mice Move In During Winter

Mice don’t hibernate. When outdoor temperatures drop, they immediately begin searching for warm, dry places to nest — and your home checks every box. Attics, crawl spaces, basements, and kitchen cabinets all provide protection and access to food. Once inside, they breed quickly, turning a single pair into dozens of mice in just a few weeks.

Here in the White Mountains, the most common intruders are house mice and deer mice. Both are small, quick, and excellent climbers, capable of squeezing through openings as small as a dime. These pests are known carriers of diseases such as hantavirus, which makes controlling and cleaning up infestations a serious matter.

2. Common Signs You Have Mice in Your Home

Before you can stop a rodent problem, it’s important to know what to look for. Common warning signs include:

• Droppings: Small black or dark brown pellets, often found near food storage areas, under sinks, or along baseboards.
• Gnaw marks: Chewed packaging, wiring, or wood trim.
• Scratching noises: Especially at night, coming from walls or ceilings.
• Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, or insulation gathered in quiet corners or attics.
• Musky odor: A stale smell caused by rodent urine and droppings.

If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action. Mice multiply fast — and every day you wait allows them to expand their territory and cause more damage.

3. Seal Up Entry Points

The first and most effective step in mouse prevention is sealing up your home. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as 1/4 inch, so even small gaps can be an open door for them.

Start by inspecting these key areas:

• Gaps around doors, windows, and garage seals
• Vents, dryer exhausts, and utility openings
• Cracks in the foundation or siding
• Holes where plumbing or electrical lines enter the house

Use steel wool, copper mesh, or caulk to seal small holes. For larger gaps, metal flashing or hardware cloth may be needed. Avoid using foam insulation alone — mice can chew right through it.

If you’re unsure where they’re getting in, a professional rodent inspection can identify access points you might overlook and provide a permanent solution.

4. Remove Food and Nesting Sources

Mice are opportunistic feeders. Even the smallest crumbs or spills can sustain them. Keeping food sources out of reach goes a long way toward preventing infestations.

Here’s how to make your home less inviting:

• Store dry goods in airtight containers.
• Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
• Take out garbage regularly and use tightly sealed bins.
• Keep pet food and bird seed in metal or thick plastic containers.
• Declutter storage areas and avoid leaving cardboard boxes on the floor.

Yard maintenance also matters. Piles of wood, weeds, and debris around your home can give mice shelter and easy access. Our weed control services help minimize overgrowth that attracts rodents and insects around your property.

5. Use Preventive Treatments

Preventive pest control is always easier — and cheaper — than dealing with an active infestation. Regular treatments create an invisible barrier that keeps rodents and other pests away year-round. During the winter months, a technician can inspect high-risk areas, set preventive bait stations, and ensure your home stays secure.

At Neff Exterminating, our rodent control program includes inspection, exclusion, trapping, and ongoing prevention to ensure long-term protection. We tailor every service to your property and the unique pest pressures of the White Mountains region.

6. Clean Up Safely After an Infestation

If you’ve already had mice in your home, cleanup should be handled carefully to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses. Never sweep or vacuum droppings directly — this can release particles into the air. Instead, wear gloves and use a disinfectant solution to dampen and wipe up droppings or nesting materials safely.

For extensive infestations, it’s always best to have professionals handle the cleanup and sanitization. Our team can ensure your home is not only pest-free but also safe and hygienic after removal.

7. The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Rodent Problems

Many homeowners underestimate just how much damage mice can cause. Beyond the obvious mess, rodents can create serious risks:

• Electrical fires: Mice chew through wires and insulation, increasing fire hazards.
• Contaminated food: Droppings and urine can contaminate food supplies and prep areas.
• Health risks: Rodents can spread salmonella, hantavirus, and other diseases.
• Structural damage: Chewing and nesting can weaken insulation and drywall over time.

Ignoring a rodent problem allows it to grow — and can lead to costly repairs down the road. Early intervention is always the smarter (and safer) move.

8. Why Choose Neff Exterminating

For over 25 years, Neff Exterminating has helped Arizona homeowners protect what matters most. Our local technicians understand the unique challenges of pest control in high-elevation areas like Snowflake, Taylor, and Show Low — where changing temperatures and rural environments attract a wide range of pests year-round.

We don’t just eliminate the problem; we focus on prevention. From termite control to rodent management and weed prevention, we provide complete protection for your home, inside and out.

Keep Mice Out of Your Home This Winter

Don’t wait for scratching in the walls or chewed wires to appear — take action now and keep your home protected this winter. Our team is ready to inspect, seal, and safeguard your property before mice become a problem.

Call us today to schedule your winter pest service:
Taylor: (928) 536-6862 | Show Low: (928) 532-5300

Serving Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low, and the entire White Mountains region — your trusted local pest control team since 1998.