[photo: Ilmari Karonen - public domain]

HOUSE MOUSE
Mus domesticus

House mice nest within structures and burrows, and will enter buildings in search of food, shelter and warmth, particularly during Autumn months when outdoor food sources become scarce. Although house mice prefer to feed on cereal grains, they will eat a wide variety of food, and usually establish their "territory" within 10-to-30 feet of their food sources. They eat frequently, nibbling here and there as often as 15-to-20 times per day.  They are excellent climbers, able to climb up to countertops, shelving, and open cupboards without ado.  They are highly inquisitive, but very wary of larger animals and people. Pantry stocks should be stored in mouse-proof containers, such as hard plastic, glass or metal.  Pet foods should also be stored in mouse-proof storage containers. House mice can carry fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, all hazardous to both humans and their companion animals.  Each mouse can contaminate ten-times more food than it eats. Mouse droppings are rod-shaped, and exposure to their droppings and/or urine can cause very serious microbial diseases. House mice reach maturity in only six-to-ten weeks, at which time they can become highly prolific breeders.  They can have litters of four-to-seven offspring, as often as every 40-to-50 days. In just 4 months, one breeding pair with constant access to food and water can produce up to 200 offspring, between first-, second- and third generation mice. Adult house mice can live up to a full year. House mice are light brown or light gray, with large ears, small eyes, and a pointed nose. Adults are slender and about 2"-to-3" in length, their tails are about 3"-to-4" in length, and they weigh about 1/2-ounce. Mice, particularly juveniles, can squeeze through holes only 1/4" in diameter, so foundations and siding should be carefully inspected and caulked or mortared as appropriate, window casements should be checked for gaps, and exterior doors should have sweeps installed to prevent entry.

This page is intended as a quick reference. Pest experts should be contacted for case-by-case evaluation if you believe that you have a pest problem that requires professional assistance.

Some information found in this overview has been compiled from household pest information sheets published by the Penn State University Extension Office: Rodent Fact Sheet, and by the National Pest Management Association: Pest Guide. This information is included on this web site strictly to help in the identification of various pests, and no profit is directly derived there from. To read the complete fact sheets, which also include helpful tips on how to avoid attracting these pests, what types of elimination can be handled in the home vs. what types of elimination require the assistance of a professional, visit the respective links.