House Mouse
Mus musculus
House Mouse Facts
Though the house mouse isn’t native to this country, it’s found all across North America. They mate year-round with multiple partners. In the wild, it is possible for some mice to live up to 18 months, and 5 years in captivity. They love to eat seeds, roots, leaves and stems, as well as beetles, caterpillars and even meat. In your home, they’ve been know to eat glue, soap and other things found around the house. To communicate with each other, mice will often squeak. They have great vision and hearing. Mice use their whiskers to feel their way around surfaces.
House Mouse Damage
These mice can ruin items you have laying around your house when they are seeking out places to nest. They can gnaw holes in woodwork, siding, sheetrock, insulation, packaging, furniture, and sometimes even copper pipes. These mice can further chew wiring, which may cause a fire or short-circuit electrical systems. Nests may also block vents, creating another potential area where fires may start. They can also dig up seeds in newly planted gardens when they are looking for food. It’s not uncommon for mice to eat human foods, either. Cereal and grain are some of their favorites, along with corn and seeds. When they feed on these items, they usually become contaminated. House mice can also carry lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, a disease that can cause fever, lack of appetite, chest pain, and sore throat. This can last up to three weeks, but is not usually fatal.
House Mouse Infestation
If you’re living in a place that is warm and protected from the elements, you might have house mice. They love not only homes, but cabins, garages, attics, sheds, office buildings, and warehouses as well. You might hear squeaking, scampering, or gnawing between walls, ceilings, or floorboards. Their droppings will be deposited in cabinets, drawers, sinks, or near food. The smell of urine may also be present. House mice nests are usually made of paper and shredded materials. Look for gnaw marks on packaging, cables, and cabinets.
Types of House Mice
House Mouse Identification
The common house mouse measures 3 to 4 inches long with gray-brown fur and a naked tail
House Mice In The Walls & The House
Mice love sheltered locations to make their nests. That includes your attic and walls. Usually you’ll smell mice when they are active in your walls as they give off a musky odor. They are most active at night, but can be seen during the day occasionally when in search of food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do house mouse droppings look like?
Mouse droppings are very tiny (3 to 6mm) and are shaped like grains. They have a black color to them. They are usually concentrated near or around breeding and nesting grounds.
How do you control a house mouse infestation?
You’ll want to make sure your home is clean and free of cracks that the mice can enter through. If you’re cleaning an area where droppings are prevalent, wear a mask and rubber gloves. Wetting these areas with a water/bleach solution instead of sweeping them will prevent viruses contained in them from becoming airborne. Wipe it up with a damp sponge. Store food or other organic materials mice may eat in plastic containers, and clean up any loose crumbs or spills. Removing their nesting sites by getting rid of clutter, firewood, and garbage. If necessary, you can install traps that will kill them with bait, or capture them to be released.
Benefits of Professional House Mouse Pest Control
A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a house mouse problem. Finding and treating the house mice can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout your yard. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the house mouse infestation.
