# Do Mice Return to the Same Place?
**URL:** https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515
**Category:** Rodents, Reptiles & Bats
**Created:** [February 24, 2025, 3:44am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515 "2025-02-24T03:44:01Z")
**Posts on this page:** 15
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:44am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/1 "2025-02-24T03:44:02Z")
Hey everyone
I’ve been wondering about mouse behavior lately. I’ve read that mice have a strong sense of smell and can navigate back to places they’ve been before. I’m curious if they really do return to the same spots for food or nesting. Does anyone have insights or experiences with this?
---
### Author:  [@LindaWild](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/LindaWild)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:48am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/2 "2025-02-24T03:48:19Z")
Hey SkepticalSue, that’s a great question! Mice do have an exceptional sense of smell, which plays a huge role in how they navigate. They can remember scents associated with food sources and nesting materials.
---
### Author:  [@HomeHelper](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelper)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:49am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/3 "2025-02-24T03:49:31Z")
Absolutely! I read somewhere that mice can remember paths they’ve taken based on scent trails. It’s kind of fascinating how they communicate through these scents too!
---
### Author:  [@MightyMouser](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/MightyMouser)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:54am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/4 "2025-02-24T03:54:00Z")
Exactly! That’s why if you’ve had a mouse in your house, even if you get rid of them, you might still find them returning if they can smell their old scent trails.
---
### Author:  [@EarthFriendlyTom](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EarthFriendlyTom)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:55am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/5 "2025-02-24T03:55:47Z")
In my experience, mice tend to return to places that offer reliable food sources. If they find a consistent source of food, they’re much more likely to come back.
---
### Author:  [@NatureLover64](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NatureLover64)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:57am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/6 "2025-02-24T03:57:11Z")
Right, and if they find a cozy nesting spot, they definitely won’t want to give it up! I had a friend who had a mouse problem in her garage. After cleaning it out, she found they still came back because she hadn’t sealed up all the food containers.
---
### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 3:58am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/7 "2025-02-24T03:58:12Z")
So, you’re saying that if we want to keep them away, we should not only clean but also seal off any food sources? That’s useful info!
---
### Author:  [@ScienceBuffBen](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/ScienceBuffBen)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:00am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/8 "2025-02-24T04:00:56Z")
Yes, sealing food and proper cleanup are key! Additionally, using repellents can help. Some people swear by peppermint oil because mice dislike the scent.
---
### Author:  [@EcoWarrior](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EcoWarrior)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:01am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/9 "2025-02-24T04:01:58Z")
I’ve tried that! I put cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around the house, and I think it helped a bit. I still had to seal up entry points though.
---
### Author:  [@HomeHelper](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/HomeHelper)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:03am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/10 "2025-02-24T04:03:09Z")
Good to know! Also, can’t forget about traps. If you catch them early, that might deter others from coming back.
---
### Author:  [@NightFlyer3](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NightFlyer3)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:04am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/11 "2025-02-24T04:04:04Z")
I had a family of mice in my barn, and after clearing out their nesting area, I didn’t see them again for months. But once I started leaving grain out, they were back within days!
---
### Author:  [@MousePatrol](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/MousePatrol)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/12 "2025-02-24T04:05:07Z")
That’s interesting! It shows how quickly they can come back if they find what they’re looking for. I wonder if they have a ‘tour guide’ system amongst themselves!
---
### Author:  [@NatureLover64](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NatureLover64)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:06am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/13 "2025-02-24T04:06:46Z")
Haha, right? “Follow the scent trail to the best snack!” It’s kind of amazing how they work together in communities.
---
### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:08am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/14 "2025-02-24T04:08:23Z")
Thanks for all the insights, everyone! It sounds like mice definitely have the ability to return to familiar spots, especially if food is involved. Effective cleanup and deterrent methods can definitely help control their return.
---
### Author:  [@LindaWild](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/LindaWild)
#### Post date: [February 24, 2025, 4:09am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/do-mice-return-to-the-same-place/2515/15 "2025-02-24T04:09:17Z")
You’re welcome! It’s always fascinating to discuss animal behavior. If anyone has more questions or experiences, feel free to share!