How do mice appear in the apartment? - briefly
Mice gain entry through gaps, cracks, or openings around pipes, vents, doors, and windows, sometimes arriving on infested belongings. They are drawn by readily available food, water, and shelter within the residence.
How do mice appear in the apartment? - in detail
Mice gain access to residential units through a combination of structural gaps, utility connections, and human‑mediated transport.
Small openings in walls, floors, and ceilings provide the most direct route. Cracks as narrow as a quarter of an inch allow entry, especially where building materials have settled or deteriorated. Gaps around windows, doors, and vents are frequently overlooked; weather‑stripping that is missing, warped, or improperly installed creates a continuous passage.
Utility penetrations constitute another major pathway. Pipes, cables, and ducts that pass through exterior walls often lack sealed sleeves. Where conduit sleeves are absent or damaged, rodents can travel along the conduit and emerge inside the living space. Chimney flues, dryer vents, and exhaust fans that are not fitted with proper mesh screens also serve as conduits.
Transportation via objects carried into the apartment is a common, less obvious source. Boxes, grocery bags, and second‑hand furniture may harbor hidden individuals or eggs. Even clothing or pet supplies can conceal stowaways, which are released when the items are unpacked.
Typical entry points can be summarized as follows:
- Cracks in foundation or plaster
- Unsealed gaps around doors, windows, and sliding panels
- Openings around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC penetrations
- Unscreened vents, chimneys, and dryer exhausts
- Gaps beneath or behind appliances
- Items introduced from outside without inspection
Understanding these mechanisms enables targeted inspection and remediation, reducing the likelihood of rodent presence in the dwelling.