There’s a Mouse in the White House!

Presidents’ Day is a time to reflect on the lives of our nation’s leaders—but did you know the White House has a history of pests? No, not political opponents—mice! Over the years, numerous presidents and first families have had run-ins with these tiny, whiskered residents. Here are some fun (and sometimes shocking) tales of mice and other critters in the White House:

Mice Through the Years

1865-1869: Andrew Johnson – The 17th president of the United States had a soft spot for mice. When he discovered two of them in his bedroom, instead of calling for pest control, he made them his pets and fed them regularly.
1889: First Lady Caroline Harrison – The wife of President Benjamin Harrison lamented the boldness of the White House mice, saying, "They have become so numerous and bold that they get up on the table."
1901-1909: Theodore Roosevelt – Known for his love of animals, Roosevelt had a pet rat named Jonathan. Apparently, rodents were welcomed members of the Roosevelt household.
1933: Franklin D. Roosevelt – Upon moving into the White House, his housekeeper, Henrietta Nesbitt, was horrified by the variety of pests she encountered, including mice, rats, squirrels, cockroaches, and ants.
1975: Gerald Ford – A meeting of the National Security Council had to be relocated when a rat made an unexpected appearance in the Situation Room.
1990: Barbara Bush – The First Lady had an unpleasant surprise when a rat joined her for a swim in the White House pool.
2009: Press Room Mishap – A mouse fell from the ceiling into the lap of NBC White House Correspondent Peter Alexander, causing quite a stir.
2017: Donald Trump’s Administration – White House staffers reported ongoing infestations of cockroaches, mice, and ants, proving that even the most powerful residence in the world isn’t immune to common household pests.

Keeping Mice Out of Your Home

While it may be amusing to read about mice in the White House, most of us would rather not deal with them in our own homes. Luckily, here are some practical tips to keep these little intruders at bay:

Seal Entry Points – Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Inspect your home for gaps in walls, doors, and windows, and seal them with caulk or steel wool. Use Grandpa Gus's Rodent Repellent Spray at gaps and openings to further deter mice from getting in
Store Food Properly – Keep food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Keep a Clean Home – Crumbs and spills attract rodents. Regularly clean floors, countertops, and pantry shelves.
Remove Clutter – Mice love to nest in piles of paper, boxes, and fabric. Declutter your home and store items in plastic bins.
Set Repellents and Traps – Grandpa Gus has a wide variety of repellents and traps can help keep mice at bay.
Fix Leaks and Moisture Issues – Mice seek out water sources, so fixing leaky pipes and ensuring proper drainage can make your home less inviting.