Do Mice Hibernate in the Winter? ❄️ 🐁 [Mouse Hibernation]

If you’ve ever wondered, “do mice hibernate in the winter?” the short answer is no. House mice don’t truly hibernate. Instead, they remain active year-round and shift their behavior to survive cold weather—often by moving into homes and businesses. Below we explain what mice do in winter, the signs they’re inside, and how to keep them out.

Hibernation vs. What Mice Actually Do

True hibernation is a prolonged, deep dormancy where an animal’s body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism drop dramatically for weeks or months. While some mammals hibernate, mice do not hibernate in winter or enter prolonged dormancy. At most, they may experience brief, shallow rest periods and reduce activity during the coldest stretches, but they continue to eat, nest, and breed.

Where Do Mice Go in Winter?

Because mice don’t hibernate during the winter, they seek steady warmth, food, and shelter. Typical winter hideouts include:

• Basements, crawl spaces, and utility rooms
• Attics, wall voids, and insulation
• Kitchens and pantries (near food sources)
• Garages, sheds, and stored boxes or clutter

Why You See More Mice Indoors When It’s Cold

• Heat & shelter: Buildings offer stable temperatures and protection from predators.
• Food access: Crumbs, pet food, and stored goods provide easy calories when outdoor food is scarce.
• Breeding potential: With adequate food and warmth, mice can breed even in winter, increasing indoor populations.

Common Winter Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through gaps the size of a dime. Once temperatures drop, they exploit small openings such as:

• Gaps around utility penetrations (gas, cable, AC lines)
• Damaged door sweeps and garage door seals
• Cracks in foundations and gaps where siding meets stone or brick
• Unscreened vents and openings around rooflines or soffits

Signs of Winter Mouse Activity

• Droppings: Small, dark pellets often found along walls, in cabinets, or near appliances
• Gnawing: Chewed packaging, wiring, or wood
• Tracks & rub marks: Smudges along baseboards and dusty surfaces
• Noises: Nighttime scratching in walls or ceilings
• Nests: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric tucked into hidden areas

Health & Property Risks

• Contamination: Droppings and urine can contaminate food and surfaces.
• Allergens: Dander and droppings can trigger allergies and asthma.
• Damage: Gnawing can ruin belongings and create fire hazards if electrical wiring is involved.

How to Keep Mice Out This Winter

• Seal entry points: Use steel wool and caulk for small gaps; metal flashing or hardware cloth for larger openings.
• Tighten up doors & vents: Install door sweeps, repair weather stripping, and screen vents with ¼" hardware cloth.
• Eliminate food sources: Store pantry goods in sealed containers; clean crumbs, grease, and pet food promptly.
• Reduce harborage: Declutter basements/garages and keep stored items off the floor.
• Set strategic traps: Place along walls behind appliances and near suspected travel paths; check and reset frequently.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

If you’ve sealed and cleaned but still see activity, you likely have multiple entry points or a growing population. Professional rodent control combines targeted exclusion (find and seal openings), tailored trapping, and sanitation guidance to break the cycle quickly and safely.

Bottom Line: Do Mice Hibernate in Winter?

Does a mouse hibernate? No—mice remain active all season. That’s why winter is prime time for indoor infestations. Understanding behavior, closing entry points, and maintaining sanitation are the keys to staying mouse-free.

Call Ed Lavery & Sons Pest Control

Hearing scratching in the walls or finding droppings? Don’t wait for a small issue to become a winter infestation. Ed Lavery & Sons Pest Control provides thorough inspections, expert exclusion, and targeted rodent treatments that work. Contact us today to schedule your service and keep mice out of your home all winter long.