The question of whether mice will stay in a house with dogs depends on several key factors. This includes typical mouse behavior, specific dog breeds and their temperaments, the layout of the house, the use of scents as deterrents, and the potential for harassment or predation. The introduction will provide an overview of the question and preview the multiple elements that determine if mice and dogs can coexist peacefully in a home or if preventative measures need to be taken.
Typical Mouse Behavior
Mice are primarily nocturnal animals. They spend most of their active time foraging for food and resources at night, when natural predators are less active. According to National Geographic, mice spend approximately 12 hours per day searching for edible plants, grains, fruits or insects. They often make multiple trips back to their nests or resting places to drink and temporarily store food. Some signs of an active mouse infestation include small droppings along commonly traveled routes and gnaw marks on foods, baseboards or wiring.
Mice are very social creatures and prefer to live together in groups when possible. Each mouse establishes its own network of runways and tunnels within the colony’s territory, often traveling the same routes routinely to and from food sources, nests and shelters. Nests are created from shredded paper, fabric, insulation and other soft, pliable materials mice can scavenge from the environment. They may have multiple nests within their territory that they rotate between. According to WebMD, mice build spherical nests 4 to 6 inches in diameter where female mice can safely give birth and raise newborns.
Mice are curious, agile creatures that can crawl through very small openings. They have strong territorial instincts and do not willingly venture far from their colony’s established domain. Their natural foraging range is typically 10 to 30 feet in diameter. When mouse colonies become overcrowded, some mice may disperse farther in search of new territory and resources. However, extensive exposure outdoors leaves mice vulnerable to predators.
Dog Breeds and Temperaments
Certain dog breeds are more likely to exhibit hunting and chasing behaviors due to their breeding history and natural instincts. For example, terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill small prey like mice, rats, rabbits, and foxes (source). As a result, terriers often have a very high prey drive and may be more inclined to chase or even kill a mouse if given the opportunity.
Sighthounds like greyhounds and whippets were bred to spot prey from a distance and give chase at high speeds. Their keen eyesight and desire to run and catch can make them more apt to notice and pursue a mouse (source). On the other hand, companion breeds like Cavalier King Charles spaniels and pugs were selectively bred as docile house pets. They tend to have weaker prey drives and be less interested in hunting mice.
In general, hunting and working dog breeds that were developed to track, chase, or kill vermin may pose a higher risk of harassing or killing mice that enter the home. Meanwhile, companion and toy breeds bred just for companionship tend to coexist more peacefully with mice.
House Layout Considerations
The layout and structure of a house can have a significant impact on the likelihood of mice taking up residence. Mice are small, agile creatures that can squeeze through very tight spaces and access points in a home. Some key house layout factors to consider include:
Access points for mice – Mice can enter homes through gaps as small as 1/4 inch. Some common entry points are under doors, around pipes, cracks in foundations, and openings for utilities like cables and wires. Sealing up these access points is crucial for keeping mice out (1).
Hiding spots – Once inside, mice look for places to build nests and remain undiscovered. Clutter like boxes, piles of papers, and fabrics provide ideal hiding and nesting areas. Mice can also hide behind appliances, under sinks, in attics and wall voids (2). Reducing clutter and sealing off access to voids helps eliminate attractive shelter.
Dog accessibility – Dogs that have free roam of a house will have an easier time detecting and pursuing mice. Mice are less likely to enter and remain in spaces that dogs frequent. Dogs limited to only part of the home provide less coverage. Allowing dogs access to all areas helps deter mice.
(1) https://abcwildlife.com/blog/pest-proofing-your-new-home/
(2) https://pestsinthehome.extension.org/pest-prevention/how-to-bug-proof-your-home/
Scent as a Deterrent
Mice have an incredibly powerful sense of smell that allows them to detect food, mates, predators, and territory markings from great distances. According to research from NYU Langone Health, a mouse’s sense of smell only requires a few nerve signals to identify the type of scent [1]. This rapid scent processing helps mice avoid danger and locate resources.
Dogs also rely heavily on their sense of smell and regularly scent mark their territory with urine. These powerful dog odors can deter mice from entering an area. However, the layout of the home and accessibility of food sources play a role in whether mice can avoid the dog smells. A mouse may still attempt to sneak into areas of the home if compelled by hunger or the promise of nesting spots.
Harassment and Predation
Many dogs have a strong natural instinct to chase and even kill mice. This predatory behavior is especially common in terriers, herding breeds, and hunting/sporting dogs who were originally bred to control vermin on farms or flush small game (source). High prey drive dogs like Jack Russell Terriers may be obsessively motivated to hunt mice and are likely to harass, injure or kill any mice they encounter in the home.
Scent hounds and retrievers also retain their strong hunting instincts and can be driven to sniff out and chase mice when they detect the rodents’ scent trails. Fast-moving dogs may corner mice against walls and furniture, terrifying and potentially killing them. While some individual dogs can be trained not to harm mice, many breeds still pose a significant threat if mice take up residence in their territory (source).
Hunting behaviors like shaking and tearing apart mouse prey comes naturally to dogs descended from canines who survived by catching their own food. Allowing free interaction between mice and predatory dogs often results in the mice being frightened, injured or killed (source).
Coexistence Possibilities
While the typical assumption is that dogs and mice cannot coexist in the same home, there are some scenarios in which a level of coexistence may be possible. Much depends on limiting the dog’s access to areas of the home where mice are present, as well as the availability of food sources for the mice.
For example, if mice have established themselves in a garage, shed, attic or crawlspace that the dog cannot access, they may persist in these areas indefinitely, even with dogs present in the main living spaces of the home. Mice are incredibly resilient and adaptable, and can thrive in remarkably small territories if sufficient shelter and food are available.
The key factor enabling mice and dogs to coexist is ensuring there are plentiful food sources the mice can access without needing to venture into the dogs’ territory. This could include forgotten pet food bowls, unsecured trash cans, mulch or compost heaps, fallen fruit from trees, a garden, or an untended bird feeder. As opportunistic omnivores, mice can subsist on a wide variety of foods.[1]
While coexistence may be possible under the right circumstances, it requires vigilance in limiting food availability inside the home, and restricting the dogs’ access to established mouse harborage areas. Ongoing prevention and deterrence measures will likely still be needed.
Preventative Measures
There are several steps homeowners can take to prevent mice from entering and remaining in a home with dogs:
Blocking access points is crucial. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as 1/4 inch, so seal any cracks or holes on the exterior of the home with caulk, steel wool, or copper mesh. Pay particular attention to areas where utilities enter the home. Installing door sweeps and sealing gaps around pipes can further block entryways.
Eliminating food sources inside the home is also important. Store all human and pet food in airtight plastic, glass, or metal containers. Clean up any spilled pet food right away. Keep countertops, floors, and cabinets clean and crumb-free. Remove pet bowls and water dishes overnight. A pest control professional can also recommend mouse-proof trash cans and other solutions.
Working with a qualified pest control professional is highly recommended. They can conduct a thorough inspection, identify entry points specific to your home’s architecture, and customize an integrated pest management plan. Professionals have access to the latest products, baits, traps, and repellents to eliminate current mice and prevent future infestations. According to Corky’s Pest Control, keeping mice out takes preparation, persistence and patience.
When to Call a Professional
There are some instances when it’s best to call in a professional pest control company to handle a mouse infestation. According to Orkin, signs that indicate you may need professional help include:
- Seeing numerous mice regularly
- Signs of nesting or breeding areas
- Mice appearing unafraid of noise or motion
- An overpowering musky odor from mice urine
- Mice appearing lethargic or unhealthy
A severe infestation can also pose health risks, as mice can spread over 35 diseases to humans either directly or indirectly through food contamination, feces, or urine (Plunkett’s). Allowing mice to continue breeding unchecked increases these risks exponentially.
There are also limitations to DIY mouse-proofing. Professional pest control technicians have access to stronger sealing materials and can find gaps that are difficult to detect. They also use strategic baiting and trapping techniques. Relying solely on over-the-counter products without addressing structural entry points often leads to the mice quickly returning.
Calling in a professional is especially recommended if there are young children, elderly residents, or immunocompromised individuals in the home who are more susceptible to illnesses. Ultimately, a severe or recurring mouse problem requires expert solutions.
Conclusion
In summary, whether or not mice will stay in a house with dogs depends on several key factors:
– Natural mouse behavior and fear of predators like dogs
– Specific breeds and temperaments of the dogs
– Layout of the home and access between areas
– Strength of dog scent in deterring mice
– Harassment or predation risk from dogs
– Possibilities for peaceful coexistence through preventative measures
Overall, mice generally prefer to avoid places where dogs live due to their strong scent and predatory nature. However, with clever mice and docile dogs, some coexistence may be possible through careful home maintenance and humane deterrents. Ultimately, the risk remains substantial without active measures, so calling a professional may be advisable if an infestation is suspected alongside pet dogs in the home.