Why you're seeing more mice in West-Central Iowa this fall (and what to do about it)
Fall in West-Central Iowa means cooler nights, harvested fields, and unfortunately, more mice looking for warm, food-filled places. From homeowners hearing attic noises to farmers worried about grain losses, this season brings predictable mouse problems — and a few simple, practical steps can keep them from becoming a headache.
What customers are telling us
common pain points
Hearing scratching and scurrying in walls, attics, or garages at night.
Finding droppings in cupboards, pantries, storage boxes or attics.
Chewed wiring, insulation and packaging (and the repair bills that follow).
Food contamination (pet food, pantry goods, and stored grain).
Worries about disease and how to clean droppings without making anyone sick.
Concern for kids & pets around traps or bait.
These are the exact things ISU Extension and public health agencies see reported every fall.
Why mice show up in fall
quick science
Cooler weather and shorter days push mice to look for shelter and reliable food — houses, barns, and grain bins fit the bill.
Harvest brings concentrated food sources (spilled grain, bins, wagons, and equipment), which attract rodents and can increase local populations near farms.
Health & property risks to know about
Disease worry: Some wild rodents can transmit illnesses (e.g., hantaviruses) through droppings, urine, or disturbed nesting materials. That’s why careful cleanup and minimizing exposure are important.
Property damage: Mice chew — insulation, wood, and especially wiring — which can lead to expensive repairs or electrical hazards.
Food loss & contamination: On farms, rodent activity can reduce grain quality and cause contamination at harvest and in storage.
Actionable steps for homeowners
what to do this week
Inspect & seal openings. Look for gaps the size of a pencil (¼ inch and up). Patch with steel wool + caulk, sheet metal, or foam + hardware cloth on the outside. Mice squeeze through tiny gaps — start there.
Clean up attractants. Store food in sealed containers, keep pet food off the floor, fix leaky faucets, and remove brush/woodpiles near the house.
Set traps in key locations. Trapping (snap traps placed along runways) and exclusion are the baseline tactics recommended by extension services. Use boxes or places inaccessible to kids/pets for safety.
Careful cleanup of droppings / nests. Don’t sweep or vacuum droppings dry. Ventilate the area, dampen with disinfectant, use gloves, then pick up and disinfect surfaces (CDC cleanup guidance).
Think like a mouse. Check along baseboards, behind appliances, in attics and crawlspaces, and under stored boxes.
For farmers & grain handlers
harvest-season priorities
Pre-harvest bin checks & cleaning: Start with clean bins and remove fines and old grain that attract pests. Monitor during harvest for activity around intake points and bin perimeters.
Seal loading areas & openings: Repair screens, vents, and seals that allow rodents into storage or processing spaces.
Use monitoring traps & bait stations in perimeters (follow label directions and local regs). Be extra cautious of non-target exposure (livestock, wildlife, pets). The EPA has guidance on rodent bait product use and precautions.
A note about rodenticides & safety
Rodenticide products can cause secondary risks if misused (to pets, wildlife, or people). Always read and follow the product label and current regulatory guidance before applying or placing baits; if you’re unsure, consult a professional for an integrated approach.
When to call in a pro
You find signs in multiple rooms, or repeated activity after DIY attempts.
There’s chewing on wiring or insulation damage.
You have concerns about large-scale contamination in grain or storage.
A trained technician can do a full inspection, exclusion work (sealing entry points you might miss), and set up a monitoring plan tailored to homes or farm operations.
Quick checklist:
Seal visible gaps around foundations, vents, and doors.
Store food & seed in rodent-proof containers.
Remove attic clutter and box up stored items in sealed bins.
Put traps where you see droppings or grease marks.
If mice popped up this fall — early action prevents bigger problems. If you’d like, we can do an inspection of your home, barn, or grain storage and give a prioritized list of fixes and monitoring options tailored to West-Central Iowa conditions.
