House Mouse
The house mouse is considered one of the most troublesome pests in the United States. House mice usually invade your home during the fall months because as fall approaches their food supply of plants and seeds are gone. They come inside in search of food, building nesting areas nearby in debris like piles of leaves or stacked firewood. Keeping these debris form accumulating around your home and using thick weather striping on the bottoms of doors and garage doors will reduce the risk of infestation.
They consume food meant for humans or pets and contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the bacterium that causes food poisoning (salmonellosis). Their constant gnawing causes damage to structures and property.
Recognizing Mouse Infestations
Droppings, fresh gnawing and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mouse nests, made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material, are often found in sheltered locations. House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence and are occasionally seen during daylight hours.
House Mouse Facts
House mice are gray or brown rodents with relatively large ears and small eyes. An adult weighs about 1/2 ounce and is about 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches long, including the 3 to 4 inch tail. Mice have keen senses of taste, hearing, smell and touch. They are excellent climbers and can run up any rough vertical surface. They will run horizontally along wire cables or ropes and can jump up 13 inches from the floor onto a flat surface. They can slip through a crack that a pencil will fit into (slightly larger than 1/4 inch in diameter).
