Introduction
Having mice in the home is a common problem many homeowners face. According to the 2019 American Housing Survey, about 2.9 million households reported sightings of rodents like mice in their homes (1). With mice able to squeeze through holes the size of a dime and breeding rapidly, it’s no wonder they can invade a home and be difficult to get rid of. The question of whether getting a dog will deter mice is an important one to consider for homeowners struggling with a mouse problem.
In this article, we’ll examine why mice are drawn to homes, the risks associated with a mouse infestation, whether dogs actually keep mice away, other benefits of getting a dog, things to consider before getting a dog just for mice deterrence, dog breeds that excel at catching mice, training a dog to catch mice, other natural mouse deterrents, and when to call in a professional exterminator.
Cite:
1. How Many American Homes Have Pests?
Why Mice Come Into Homes
Mice enter homes most frequently in the fall and winter when outdoor food supplies start to dwindle and they seek shelter from the cold. Mice come inside looking for two main things – food sources and warm shelter.
Mice can survive on very small amounts of food. They are drawn to homes by food crumbs, cereal, grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, or even our pets’ food. According to DiscoverWildlife.com, mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime, so they can enter even well-sealed homes through tiny cracks or holes.
In addition to food, mice come into our homes looking for warm, dry shelter, especially in cold weather months. Mice are small enough to nestle into very tight spaces like inside walls, under appliances, in attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
Risks and Dangers of Mice
Mice can pose significant health risks and cause damage in homes they invade. Some of the main risks and dangers of mice include:
Disease
Mice can spread over 35 diseases either through direct contact, contamination of food, or their droppings and urine [1]. Some concerning diseases spread by mice include:
- Hantavirus – a rare but potentially fatal respiratory disease. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and shortness of breath [2].
- Salmonella – causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- Leptospirosis – leads to liver and kidney damage.
- Rat-bite fever – flu-like symptoms from a bacterial infection.
People can get sick from accidentally ingesting something contaminated by mice feces or urine. It’s critical to promptly clean and sanitize any areas mice access.
Damage
Mice can cause costly property damage by:
- Chewing through electrical wires, which can cause fires.
- Burrowing holes in walls for entry points and nests.
- Gnawing and nesting in insulation.
- Contaminating stored food with feces and urine.
Mice have sharp teeth and can chew through materials like wood, drywall, bricks, aluminum, and wiring. The structural damage they inflict requires costly repairs.
Allergies
People can have allergic reactions to mice allergens from urine, droppings, or saliva left behind. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, rashes, and irritated eyes. Severe infestations can exacerbate asthma and allergies.
Do Dogs Deter Mice?
Dogs can be very effective at deterring mice due to their keen sense of smell and hunting instincts. According to research by Terminix, dogs are able to detect the presence of mice well before humans due to their powerful sense of smell which is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than humans. When dogs smell mice in or around the home, they will likely display hunting behaviors like stalking, chasing, and pouncing as they follow the scent trail left behind by mice.
Certain dog breeds have especially strong predatory drives when it comes to hunting mice and rats. Terrier breeds like Jack Russells, Fox Terriers, and Rat Terriers were historically bred to hunt vermin. Sporting and hound breeds like Beagles and Dachshunds also have keen sniffing abilities and will eagerly seek out mice. Even if they don’t actively hunt them, seeing and smelling a vigilant dog on patrol can deter mice from approaching or entering the home.
However, dogs’ effectiveness at deterring mice relies heavily on their personalities and training. While some dogs will diligently patrol for mice, others may be oblivious or even afraid of mice. Proper socialization and training can help enhance a dog’s mouse-hunting abilities. But ultimately, having a dog does not guarantee mice will stay away completely.
Other Benefits of Dogs
Beyond deterring mice, dogs provide many other benefits as companions. One of the greatest benefits is the companionship a dog provides. Dogs can be loving friends and family members that bring joy and happiness into our lives. Studies show that interacting with dogs increases levels of the hormone oxytocin, nicknamed the “love hormone,” stimulating feelings of happiness and bonding. Dogs give unconditional love and can help combat loneliness and depression.
Dogs also provide a sense of security. Their protective instincts make many breeds excellent guard dogs that can deter intruders and alert owners to dangers. Dogs have strong territorial instincts and will bark to alert owners of anything unusual. Many people feel safer in their homes knowing they have a dog watching over the family and property. While mice may not perceive dogs as predators, humans can benefit from the security dogs provide against other potential household threats.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-science-based-benefits-dog/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/get-healthy-get-a-dog-the-health-benefits-of-canine-companionship
Considerations for Getting a Dog
Bringing home a dog is a big commitment that requires serious thought about your lifestyle, living situation, schedule, and finances. According to PetMD, before adopting any pet, you’ll need to consider if you can provide them proper care and attention for their entire lifetime, which could be 10-15 years for many dogs.
Caring for a dog takes a major time investment. Dogs require daily walks, play time, grooming, feeding, and training. Make sure your schedule allows for adequate time to care for your dog’s needs. If you work long hours, consider options like dog walkers or daycare.
VCA Hospitals notes that the costs of dog ownership really add up. You’ll need to budget for food, supplies like leashes and beds, veterinary care, preventatives like flea/tick medication, grooming if needed, boarding or pet sitters when traveling, and more. An emergency vet trip can cost thousands of dollars.
Your living space is another key factor when choosing a dog. Consider if you have enough indoor and outdoor space for exercise and bathroom needs. Some breeds fare better in apartments, while others require yards. Preparing your home to be pet-friendly can require adjustments like securing trash cans, storing chemicals properly, and blocking off certain areas.
Dog Breeds Good for Catching Mice
Certain dog breeds have a strong prey drive and are adept at catching mice due to traits that were selectively bred for hunting rodents. Terriers and schnauzers are particularly well-suited for this task.
Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin. Their small size allows them to easily chase mice into tight spaces. Terrier breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Rat Terrier are known for being excellent mousers (Martha Stewart, 2021). They have a strong prey drive and quick reflexes to catch and kill rodents.
Schnauzers also share many traits with terriers that make them skilled mouse hunters. Both Miniature and Standard Schnauzers were bred to course small game. With their ratting background, Schnauzers are alert and ready to chase mice at the first sight or sound (Hepper, 2023).
In addition to terriers and schnauzers, dogs bred specifically for hunting like Dachshunds and German Shorthaired Pointers have a high drive and ability to track and catch mice. Their keen sense of smell allows them to root out rodents in homes.
Training a Dog to Catch Mice
Using reward-based training methods is the most effective way to teach a dog to catch mice. This positive reinforcement approach focuses on encouraging and rewarding desired behaviors, rather than punishing unwanted behaviors. To get started, you’ll need some mice scent and tasty treats that your dog loves.
Begin by letting your dog sniff around containers with mice scent, like bedding from a rodent cage. When he shows interest, reward him with praise and treats. Over multiple training sessions, continue rewarding any interaction with the mouse scent. You can also hide treats near the scent containers to further encourage your dog’s curiosity.
The next step is to allow your dog to practice hunting for mock mice, such as stuffed animal toys. Have him search around boxes and under furniture, then reward him excitedly when he discovers the toy mouse. This helps build his drive to hunt. As your dog improves, only reward him for grabbing or touching the toy mouse with his mouth or paws.
With time and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn that investigating and catching mice results in prizes and playtime. However, it’s important to supervise during training, and exchange any real mice for toys to avoid exposure to bacteria or parasites. Consistent reward-based training will build your dog’s mouse-hunting skills.
Other Natural Mouse Deterrents
In addition to dogs, there are some other natural options that may help deter mice from entering the home. Some common natural repellents include:
Peppermint oil – Peppermint oil contains menthol, which is said to irritate nasal passages and mask the scent trails mice rely on. Lightly soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them along baseboards, under appliances, and near entry points.
Catnip – Catnip contains nepetalactone, which can repel mice. Sprinkle dried catnip around areas where you’ve seen mouse activity.
Snake plants – The Snake plant contains compounds like saponins that are naturally unappealing to mice. Keeping these around the home may help deter mice from entering.
While natural options exist, their effectiveness is often hit or miss as mice can become accustomed to certain smells. It’s important to rotate repellents and use them heavily when first noticing signs of mice.
When to Call a Professional
A large infestation of mice that you are unable to control on your own is a clear sign it’s time to call a professional exterminator. According to EMCO Pest Control, if you spot more than 10-20 droppings per room or hear mice scurrying day and night, you likely have a substantial infestation that requires professional help [1].
Professional exterminators have the skills and products to fully eradicate mice from your home. They can track down hard-to-find entry points and use stronger poisons that kill mice quickly. Exterminators will also remove dead mice and safely seal up any cracks or holes where mice are getting in [2].
In addition, professionals can dismantle mouse nests and remove droppings, urine, and contaminated insulation. This helps ensure mice don’t return and prevents the spread of diseases. If you have an attic or crawlspace infestation, calling a pro to remove nesting areas and droppings is highly recommended.
Finally, exterminators can make repairs and improvements to permanently exclude mice, such as sealing exterior holes, installing door sweeps, and repairing damaged siding or roof vents. DIY exclusion efforts may fall short, so professionals are best for comprehensive exclusion and prevention.