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A Short Guide To House Mice

The house mouse is the most common commensal rodent and it has the largest economic impact. Originally, this species hails from Central Asia, but it has managed to reach the Americas through Europe during the colonial age. It is now spread across the US, and these rodents are not just a nuisance, but a pest that can pose serious property and health threats. The house mouse also breeds quickly and is very adaptive, with one female mouse being able to give birth to 35 mice each year, at an interval of six babies every three weeks.

Appearance

The house mouse usually has a light brown to dark gray coat and a cream colored underbelly, with color variations depending on the geographic location of the mouse. Its body is round, and the mouse has a pointed nose with large hairy ears. House mice can grow to be 3.75 inches in length with tails that can reach 4 inches.

Signs that you have a house mouse infestation

House mice will leave several clues when they are in your home. Here are some of the signs that you may notice if you have a house mouse infestation:

• Mice will gnaw on various objects and surfaces in the home, so one of the first signs you may notice will be these gnaw marks.
• Mice will also leave droppings throughout the home, and these droppings are about a quarter of an inch long, with pointed ends, and in the shape of a rod.
• Mice will also leave tracks sometimes, and you will notice that these tracks have either four or five toes, depending if they are front foot or back foot tracks.
• Mice have an oily fur, so they may leave rub marks along walls or on the floor.
• You may also notice a distinct, new unpleasant odor in the home. This odor may come from mouse urine.
• The biggest giveaway that you have an infestation is noticing a mouse, whether it is dead or alive. Once mice are out in the open like this, it is an indication that you may have a large colony in the home.

When you notice these signs, you have several ways of dealing with the infestation. You can use traps or rodenticides, or you can call in a pro to help you out. The latter option is definitely necessary in the case of a larger infestation. Contact us today, and we can help you get a mouse infestation under control.

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