Exploring The Sleeping Habits of a Mouse

Imagine yourself lying in bed at night, just about to fall asleep, when a strange noise catches your attention. Perhaps you tell yourself, “It was just the wind.” But you can’t ignore the series of squeaking, scampering, and scratching sounds for long.

You might be surprised to know that a little house mouse can make a mighty big ruckus, and their favorite time to do this is usually when you’re looking for a little peace and quiet. We’ve got answers to your questions like: when do mice sleep, where do they sleep, and what to do if there’s a mouse infestation in the house?

Are Mice Nocturnal?

Just like you and me, mice need to sleep, but their sleeping habits are a bit different than ours. Like other nocturnal creatures, house mice typically sleep during the day and are most active at night. However, not all mice follow this pattern. When mice sleep can change depending on the environment of the mouse.

Mice are most active when the least amount of danger is present or when food is needed. For mice in the wild, they are usually most active around the hours of dusk and dawn. The low light conditions at these times offer mice the most protection from predators. However, a house mouse is usually most active at night when the people in the house are sleeping, so they tend to sleep during the day. These critters adapt to their surroundings and their sleeping habits also adapt as needed.

Rodents have very poor eyesight and are sensitive to bright lights. This is another reason why the dusk, dawn, and nighttime hours are prime time for rodents. Instead of relying on their vision, mice use their sense of touch and incredible smell to find their way around, making it easier to navigate in the dark.

Mice typically sleep for around 12 hours a day. They exhibit polyphasic sleep patterns, meaning they sleep multiple times over a 24-hour period. Unlike humans, who generally have one long sleep period, these creatures take several shorter naps throughout both day and night. This type of sleep pattern helps them stay alert to potential threats in their environment.

Where do Mice Sleep?

Mice tend to maintain a small territory, usually traveling only 10-30 feet away from their nest to find food sources. They sleep in a nest they make from any materials they find. Things such as stuffing from a pillow, blanket, or stuffed animal all work well, but they can also shred many different items, like fabrics or paper, with their teeth to make them suitable for nesting.

A cluttered area with piles of junk, cardboard boxes, or other scrap materials is a dream home for a mouse. Not only will it be harder for you to notice them or find them, but they will also have plenty of options for nesting materials and plenty of places to build a cozy nest where they can sleep soundly. If you suspect you have pest problems in your home, these types of places are the first you should check for nests.

How to Tell if Mice are Sleeping in Your Home

Since mice tend to be nocturnal, how do homeowners know if their home has a mouse problem? You may not actually see these pests in the house, but you will see signs of mice. Here’s what to look for to help you sleuth out a sneaky pest problem:

• Mouse droppings:
  Mice aren’t potty trained and they’ll leave their droppings behind to let you know they’re here. Look for small black pellets, similar in size and shape to rice.
• Gnaw damage:
  Mice chew constantly on items like electrical wiring, furniture, and even walls. One reason they chew is because their teeth never stop growing; they need to gnaw to wear down their teeth. Other reasons rodents may be gnawing on different materials is to make soft bedding for their nests, to sample different foods, and to create entry points or exits from a home.
• Smudge marks:
  As mentioned above, rodents rely heavily upon their senses of touch and smell to navigate their surroundings. In the process of feeling their way around, they leave greasy rubbings or smudge marks along frequently traveled paths. These marks also contain scent markers, or pheromones, that are only detectable to mice. Look for these markings at ground level, along baseboards, door frames, and furniture.

If you suspect these critters are in your home, it’s crucial to address the issue quickly because mice can pose significant health risks. Mice are carriers of various diseases, such as Hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans. Their rapid breeding cycle also means that a small problem can quickly escalate into a large rodent infestation, making it more challenging to control. Pest control measures are essential in managing this issue effectively.

The first step in getting rid of them is to start using an effective rodent repellent. Stay Away Rodent is a botanical rodent repellent made with plant-based ingredients that is guaranteed to keep mice away from areas the pouches are placed.

Next, be sure to clean up any potential food sources, close any entry points found around your home, and clean up any clutter that provides rodents with a good place to hide. Learn more about how to get rid of mice here.