Your bed should be a safe, cozy space to hide from the world. Unfortunately, mice may see it the same way! Nobody wants a mouse for a bedfellow!
According to The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 29 percent of homes in the U.S. have been host to a rodent (or two!) at some point. Here’s how to keep your bed mouse free!
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Can Mice Climb on the Bed?
Absolutely! Mice are great climbers. Your bed is no match for their agile abilities. Plus, mice can leap about one foot into the air. Even if you don’t have blankets hanging onto the floor, they can still leap to an accessible point.
Will Mice Climb on Sleeping People?
Again, the answer is yes. Fortunately, mice are usually on a mission. They typically won’t linger on your body while you are asleep and just scamper across.
Why Are Mice on the Bed?
The number one reason mice may be in your bedroom and on your bed is food! Mice have a great sense of smell and are constantly on the lookout for a source of food. If you have crumbs or spills in or near your bed, the mice will want to come to investigate.
How Do I Know If I Have Mice in the Bed?
If you suspect that mice have been in your bed, thoroughly examine the bed for these telltale signs of mice!
Look for Waste
Mouse droppings are dark brown and tube-shaped. They are small. The droppings will get lighter in color as they dry out.
Mice may also urinate on your bed. Look for yellowish stains on the bedding, pillows, and mattress. Their urine smells like ammonia.
Listen for Sounds
If you hear squeaks and scratches in the night, it may be your new roommates! Mice have tiny claws that they use to scratch and climb. They use their sharp front teeth to gnaw, which also makes a distinctive sound.
Are Mice Hazardous?
Mice can carry diseases and parasites that can be passed to humans and pets. These diseases are transmitted through their waste, food contamination, or bites. Some of the diseases mice can transmit are:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
- Salmonella
- Leptospirosis
- Plague
- Rat Bite Fever
Always wear gloves, and a protective respirator mask while cleaning up after mice, or handling dead mice. Immediately throw away any food that mice may have accessed. If you, a family member, or a pet gets bit, contact a medical professional for advice.
How Can I Keep Mice Away from My Bed?
Keep mice away from your bed with a few simple steps.
Keep It Clean!
Mice are on the lookout for two things – food and shelter. Don’t provide them with either! Make it a habit to keep food in the kitchen. If you don’t have any tasty crumbs, they will be less attracted to your bedroom and your bed.
Tidy up any loose clothing or blankets that may make a cozy home for the mice. Vacuum all debris and keep trash cans empty.
Seal Off Openings
Mice can wriggle through an opening that is only ¼ inch, or 6.4 millimeters. Search throughout your room for any cracks or openings that could allow mouse access to your room. Stuff steel wool into the openings, then seal them with caulk.
If you suspect mice are coming in through the gap under the door, stuff towels under the door at night. Or, better yet, treat the entire home for mice.
Use Rodent Repellents
Find a rodent repellant that will keep the mice away for good! I recommend MDXconcepts mice spray, Victor Natural Rodent Repeller packs, or Harris Mouse Repellent Gel. Read all package labels and follow instructions for the safe application of these products.
If you prefer a natural method of rodent repellent, try soaking cotton pads with diluted peppermint oil. Mice cannot stand the smell of peppermint! Replace the cotton pads as they dry out. Additionally, potted mint plants may help deter mice.
Set Traps
Set mouse traps near access points and corners in your room. Bait the traps with peanut butter, seeds, or raisins. Check the traps regularly.
Get a Cat
Cats are not only great pets, they can also be a pest solution for mice! If you already have a cat, allow it to sleep in your room. If you don’t have a cat, consider adopting one from a shelter. You can give an animal a loving home and a cat in your room will scare away the mice.
Final Thoughts
Keep the mice away from your bed and your bedroom for good with these tips! A clean, sealed room will hopefully remain mouse-free!