Do Mice Live in Trees? (Some Do!)

Want to know, do mice live in trees or make nests in trees?

Some species mice do live in trees. The dormouse and deer mice, for example, are two species of mice that are very good at climbing, making nests up high in the trees, and can often be found up in the branches and nestled in the leaves or bark of a tree.

If you’re wondering if you have mice in the trees in your garden and around your home, it’s unlikely.

If you live near fields and meadows there is a good chance you have field mice nearby. Field mice prefer light brush and shrubbery to hide in and burrow out a little home rather than up in the trees.

The common house mouse as they are called, as you can probably guess, prefer to be in your home than up a tree.

While outside they usually burrow below ground level in loose dirt. Wild house mice live in colonies together under the ground, often digging out some tunnels and storing food down there.

They tend to relocate into air conditioning vents, sheds, venture into homes, and so on when it’s winter and getting a little too cold for them outside.

But nesting in trees? No, the most common species of wild mice are much more likely to be found on ground level.

They are very good at climbing though. They can climb walls, stairs, ready for it…onto beds, and even trees if needed.

Interestingly, the species of mice that nest in trees tend to have longer tails. This is because mice use their tails to help them balance, pretty useful when climbing tall trees, as well as walking and jumping across branches.

Where Do Mice like to Nest?

When setting up a nesting area to sleep and hideout, mice look for the following criteria:

• Safety
• Warmth
• Food nearby

This is why burrowing underground ticks all the boxes in the warmer months. They are safe from humans and predators, will make sure there is some kind of food and water source nearby, and it’s warm.

When the colder weather starts creeping in however or the food source runs out, this is when your house can become very appealing.

Mice will often end up in small secluded areas. Such as in vent shafts, behind large appliances like fridges and freezers, inside wall cavities, and the more brazen of mice might even be in your wardrobe or somewhere cozy like that. (I’m not trying to scare you!)

I’ve covered loads of the signs to look out for if you think you have mice in your home and even your bedroom in particular.

As well as things you can do to get rid of mice from your home. Take a read of those articles if this is a problem you’re currently dealing with.

If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for or have any additional questions, just drop me a note below and I’ll be happy to help if I can.