In Colorado, this year’s record-breaking spring rains set up conditions unlike any other in recent memory. With the soil oversaturated and vegetation booming, the stage was set for a significant increase in rodent activity. Mice, adaptable creatures that they are, have taken full advantage of this environment. As colder weather sets in, they’re searching for shelter, food, and warmth—making Colorado homes prime real estate. Let’s dive into why this season is different and what steps are essential to keep them at bay.

The unusually wet spring created lush vegetation, which provides shelter and food sources for mice and other rodents. This lush growth not only led to a boom in the mouse population but also encouraged these pests to venture further from typical outdoor shelters. The wet conditions allowed more field mice to survive and multiply, creating a larger, more mobile population that now seeks indoor habitats as temperatures drop.

Properties in areas like Firestone, Johnstown, and Monument are experiencing an unusual rise in rodent activity. Homeowners in these cities should be on high alert this season, as the combination of abundant food sources and cooler weather increases the likelihood of mice seeking refuge indoors.

Mice are opportunistic feeders. What do mice eat? Almost anything they can find, from grains and seeds to food scraps left out by humans. What do field mice eat? Mostly seeds and plants, which have been in ample supply this year. Mice can chew through walls and slip through tiny cracks, making their way into homes to raid pantries, nest in walls, and reproduce at a rapid pace.

With increased food availability from the spring rains, populations have surged. Without consistent pest control, these creatures can be incredibly challenging to manage, as they hide in small, difficult-to-access spaces.

Many people turn to home remedies or DIY methods to address the problem. What scent will keep mice away? Scents like peppermint oil, cloves, or even vinegar are commonly used as deterrents. While these scents can repel mice to a degree, they’re often not enough to keep them out of the home entirely. Mice are highly adaptable and can become immune to certain scents over time, making these remedies temporary at best.

DIY methods also rarely address the root of the issue: entry points and available food sources. Without treating these areas, homeowners may find that mice continue to return, even if some of them are repelled initially.

Newborn mice pups huddled together in a nest, showing the early stages of a potential infestation.

This year especially highlights the need for consistent, year-round treatments to reduce mouse populations effectively. Year-round pest control addresses the issue proactively, reducing populations before they become a problem rather than merely reacting to infestations.

OBEX offers a unique, comprehensive approach to rodent pest control in Colorado. Here’s how we help keep these resilient pests at bay:

1. Attractant Poison Bait: OBEX strategically places bait around the property to draw mice out from hiding. This method targets mice and reduces populations without causing damage to the property. It’s highly effective because the attractant lures mice to a controlled area, addressing not only visible mice but also those nesting nearby.
2. Inspection for Entry Points: Mice can enter through even the smallest openings. OBEX inspects properties to find and secure these entry points, blocking future access routes. This is especially crucial during fall, as it prevents mice from entering in the first place. Our technicians are trained to look for signs like gnawed holes, droppings, and greasy rub marks that mice leave as they travel through entry points.
3. Filling Small Holes with Steel Wool: In areas where entry holes are between 1/4″-1/2″, OBEX will use steel wool to fill these spaces. Mice cannot chew through steel wool, making it an effective barrier that physically prevents entry without using harsh chemicals.

One thing that attracts mice is the availability of food. So, what do baby mice eat? Like adults, they consume seeds, grains, and sometimes small insects, all of which are available in abundance due to Colorado’s recent environmental conditions. Without food, how long do mice live without food? Generally, they can only survive a few days, which is why controlling food sources inside and outside the property is crucial.

Mice are intelligent and cautious creatures. They quickly learn to avoid traps and may develop resistance to common DIY remedies over time. Unlike one-time treatments, OBEX provides continuous monitoring and adjustments, keeping treatments effective even if the mice start adapting. Our services go beyond just setting a few traps or putting out poison—we design a comprehensive plan that considers mouse behavior and adjusts as conditions change.

Colorado’s mice populations have been extra resilient this year, making pest and rodent control essential. Simple, isolated treatments won’t be enough to tackle the issue effectively.

While Colorado experiences pest issues every year, the unique environmental factors this season have resulted in unusually high mouse populations. The combination of food, shelter, and the fast-breeding nature of mice has created a near-perfect storm. For those asking, how long do mice live? Their life cycle can span months, with each generation producing multiple litters in a short time.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of mice naturally, keep in mind that natural remedies alone are rarely enough to address an infestation. Sealing food, securing entry points, and using scent deterrents like peppermint can help, but they are not standalone solutions. The best approach involves regular inspections and preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of an infestation.

In areas like Lafayette, Mead, and Frederick, residents should be prepared for more mouse sightings and potential home invasions as colder weather sets in. This year’s rain has created favorable conditions, leading to a noticeable spike in rodent activity. Using OBEX’s comprehensive pest and rodent control services can help Colorado residents maintain safer, more protected homes as mouse populations increase.

Mouse control in Colorado this year is unprecedented due to the record spring rainfall and the favorable conditions it has created. With OBEX’s year-round, adaptive treatments, homeowners from Wellington to Colorado Springs can safeguard their properties from the increased risk posed by these resilient pests.

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Four+℠, Six+℠ and Six Pro℠: Twelve-month (12) agreement required. Early cancel fee may apply. All OBEX 365℠ plans: Spot treatment re-services requests may require waiting period, due to local, state and/or federal regulatory laws of pesticide applications or other routing conflicts. At its sole discretion, OBEX may limit the amount of free applications a customer may receive, and does not guarantee a specific timeframe requested by the customer may be available. Active pest issue must be occurring at the time of request, and visit requires someone over 18 to be present for the entire treatment.

* Service does not include the control or prevention of wood infesting organisms such as termites, powder post beetles, wood borers, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wood wasps, or wood decay fungus. OBEX will treat for wasp nests on homes; however, we do not guarantee for flying insects. See Pest Control Service Agreement for additional information and limitations. OBEX does not perform full exclusion work on homes; we will fill 1/4′”-1/2″ holes with steel wool, as part of any plan, when necessary in pest prevention, as determined by a technician.

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