As temperatures rise in the Texas Hill Country, so does rodent activity—especially mice. Spring is the season when mice are on the move, looking for food, water, and shelter. And unfortunately, your home offers all three.

At Varmint Masters, our team of wildlife biologists has helped countless homeowners in Bulverde, Spring Branch, and beyond deal with unwanted mouse infestations. And while we’re always here when things get out of hand, the best defense is often prevention.

Here’s how to keep mice out of your house in spring—and what to do if they’ve already found a way in.

Why Mice Are a Springtime Problem

Mice are opportunistic creatures. After the chill of winter, they become more active, searching for safe places to nest and raise their young. In rural and suburban areas like the Hill Country, homes are often surrounded by brush, wood piles, and open fields—all of which provide the perfect launchpad for a rodent invasion.

Once inside, mice can chew through wires, contaminate food, and even spread diseases like hantavirus or salmonella.

Signs You Might Have Mice in Your Home

Before we talk prevention, it’s important to know what to look for. Common signs of a mouse problem include:

• Droppings in cabinets, drawers, or along walls

• Scratching or scurrying sounds, especially at night

• Chewed packaging or food containers

• Nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation

• Musky, unpleasant odors in enclosed spaces

If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly.

Mouse-Proofing Your Home: Where to Start

While no method is 100% foolproof, taking these steps can significantly reduce your chances of a mouse infestation this spring:

1. Seal Up Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Do a walk-around of your home’s exterior and look for:

• Gaps around doors and windows

• Openings where pipes or cables enter the house

• Cracks in the foundation or siding

• Gaps under garage doors

Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to seal up potential access points. Avoid using just spray foam—it’s not mouse-proof on its own.

2. Keep Food Sealed and Stored Properly

One of the biggest attractants for mice is easy access to food. Be sure to:

• Store pantry items in airtight containers

• Clean up crumbs and spills promptly

• Keep pet food sealed and off the floor

• Avoid leaving dishes in the sink overnight

3. Declutter Inside and Out

Clutter provides hiding places for mice. Indoors, keep storage areas organized and off the ground. Outdoors:

• Move firewood stacks away from the house

• Trim shrubs and vegetation at least 18 inches from your home’s foundation

• Clear out leaf piles or other yard debris

4. Keep Trash Sealed and Secure

Garbage is an easy food source for mice. Use bins with tight-fitting lids and store them away from entry points.

5. Stay on Top of Maintenance

Regular home maintenance goes a long way in rodent prevention. Check weather stripping, screen vents and chimneys, and repair any water leaks promptly (mice love moisture).

Already Have Mice? Here’s What to Do

If you’re already seeing signs of mice in your home, DIY traps might help reduce the numbers—but they likely won’t solve the root issue. Mice reproduce quickly and are skilled at hiding.

That’s where professionals come in. At Varmint Masters, we don’t just trap mice—we get to the source of the problem. Our trained wildlife biologists will inspect your home, locate entry points, and implement a comprehensive extermination and exclusion plan.

We also offer decontamination services to remove harmful bacteria and odor from infested areas.

Wrapping Up: A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Spring is a beautiful time of year in the Hill Country—but it’s also prime time for rodent activity. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can save yourself a major headache later.

If you’ve seen signs of mice or want peace of mind that your home is truly protected, don’t hesitate to contact us for an inspection.

We’re local, family-owned, and backed by years of scientific expertise. When it comes to rodent control, Varmint Masters gets it done right. Contact our team to schedule your service with us today!