Yes, and attic insulation is one of their preferred nesting materials. They can access the attic by climbing siding and downspouts and then entering through vents, utility line gaps, and other open spaces.
Attics give mice everything they want in one place. Warm air rises from the rest of the house, which makes the attic a naturally warm place to set up a nest. The insulation happens to also provide excellent nesting material whether it comes in the form of fiberglass batts, blown cellulose, or foam. They’re not that picky. And, of course, once they set up a nest in the attic, they can rest easy as they’ll probably go undisturbed for a long time.
Getting to the attic is easier than a lot of homeowners might think. For one, mice can often climb very well. They're able to scale brick, stone, rough siding, downspouts, and vines without much trouble. And even if your home has none of those, if there is a nearby tree with a branch extending over your home, that will do the trick too.
From the roofline, rodents can enter the attic through torn screens on gable and roof vents and seams where the roofline meets soffits and gutters. Uncapped chimney flues are another way in. Gaps for cables and plumbing are another. Full-grown mice fit through holes the size of a dime and there is a very good chance that there are at least a few holes of that size around your roof.
The insulation is more asset than obstacle once they make their way in. Rodents can easily tear it apart and tunnel through it. Then they can go unseen even if you go up there for a box of Christmas decorations.
The damage goes beyond just insulation, though. Tunneled and compressed insulation loses R-value first, so your heating bills rise. Urine and droppings soil the material, which is why heavily infested attics often need insulation removed altogether and then replaced. And gnawed wiring is a big fire hazard.
If you hear scratching or scurrying overhead at night, that’s a warning. If you see rodent droppings along framing or the top of insulation, that’s another. Chewed insulation or cardboard should make you suspicious, as should a musky smell.
To handle an infestation, first clear rodents with traps and bait stations. Then seal entry points with chew-resistant materials and trim branches back from the roof. If you find damaged insulation, replace it last after the root cause has been addressed.
If you are hearing mice above your ceiling, Mosquito Squad of Central New Jersey can help. Mosquito Squad finds how mice are getting in, clears them with traps and bait stations, and seals the entry points. Annual inspections will help you protect your home as new gaps open.
