The worst time of year for mice infestations indoors is typically late fall and winter, from October through February in most of the United States. As temperatures drop outside and food becomes scarce in fields and forests, mice seek warmth, shelter, and a steady food supply inside homes, garages, attics, and basements. This seasonal movement is called overwintering. In late summer and early fall, mice start scouting for entry points and begin to build nests in preparation for cold weather, so you may see increased activity in September and October as they move in. Once inside, they stay active all winter because your house provides heat and food, and they can breed year-round indoors, unlike outdoors where breeding slows in winter. Spring and summer are generally less problematic for indoor infestations because mice can find more food and shelter outside, though they never fully disappear if they have already established a colony indoors. In warmer southern states, mice can be a year-round problem. The best time to prevent winter infestations is to seal holes, clean up, and set traps in early fall before the first cold snap drives them inside.
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