Mouse Droppings
What they look like and how to clean up safely.
Resources
How to Identify Mice
Small droppings, gnaw marks and scratching in walls are the usual signs of mice.
Short answerMice leave rice sized droppings, small gnaw marks, shredded nests, greasy rub marks and scratching in walls, often at night. Kitchens, behind appliances and along baseboards are common places to find them.
Signs Inside the Home
- Droppings in drawers, cabinets and behind appliances.
- Gnaw marks on packaging and wood.
- Nests made of shredded paper or fabric.
- Scratching in walls and ceilings.
- A stale, musty odor.
Do Not Assume
Noise can come from pipes or other animals. Droppings size and location help. See rat vs. mouse.
Next Steps
Photograph the evidence and check the routes. Read mouse control.
Not sure what you are dealing with? An inspection finds the source and sets the scope.
Questions and Answers
What are the noises in my walls or ceiling?
Scratching, scurrying or gnawing that gets louder at night often points to mice or rats. Pipes, settling and other animals can make noise too. Heavy thumping in the daytime may suggest a larger animal, which is outside our rodent work. Noting when and where you hear it helps an inspector narrow down the source.
Why are mice getting into my apartment?
Mice need very little: a gap about the width of a pencil, a little food and a quiet place to nest. In apartment buildings they travel through wall voids, pipe sleeves and shared utility chases, so the opening may be in a neighbor's unit or the basement rather than yours. Finding the route matters more than adding more traps.
Last reviewed 2026-09-21. Time sensitive NYC rules and processes change, so check the linked official pages before you act.