Hickory dickory dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck one
And down he run
Hickory dickory dock

Are there certain "times" when mice are more likely to run away? While this poem can be interpreted in different ways, perhaps the lyrics are suggesting that the mouse made a hasty exit when he realized what time it was. In real life, animals do have instincts that prompt them to move at certain times, but when it comes to mice in springtime, this is not the case. It is unlikely that they will migrate back to the outside once they've found out how nice it is living with you.

While it is true that mice seek the shelter of homes in the fall because of the warmth emanating from within. It is also true that they stick around because of other amenities. If they have set up housekeeping in your attic, found food and water in your kitchen area, and raised a family inside your walls, they are unlikely to up and move their entire family back outdoors when spring arrives. They may venture out to do some foraging, but they'll be back. Mice are commensal creatures. That means they prefer freeloading off of you, rather than hunting for food in the wild.

Here are some things you can do in spring to encourage those freeloaders to find another place to live.

• Put all of your pantry foods in sealed hard plastic containers. This will keep smells in and rodents out.

• Put pet food down only during meal times.

• Keep counters and shelves free of food remnants.

• Fix any leaks in your home so mice can't get a drink.

If you hide the food and remove water sources, mice may look for a new place to live. But, if you continue to find evidence of mice in your home, it is important to call a professional. Mice can spread diseases and harmful bacteria. They are also known to bring parasites into a home such as lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. These creatures need to be sealed out and kept out.

At Thomas Pest Services, we remove all mice that are currently infesting your home, clean and disinfect the areas that were used for harborage, and then seal your walls to keep these pests from coming back in. This is a complete solution that makes sure your home is free of mice, mouse feces, urine, and parasites.

Hickory dickory douse
Mice got in my house
Gave Thomas a call
They got rid of them all
Then cleaned up and sealed my house