What you should know about mice

Mice (Mus musculus), rodents of the Muridae family, are unwelcome guests in countless homes and businesses. With their slender bodies, large ears, and sharp teeth, these rodents are adept at navigating confined spaces and exploiting vulnerabilities in structures. Their rapid reproductive rate allows populations to explode quickly, making infestations challenging to control.

What is a mouse?

If you spot a rodent in your home, it can be unnerving. You may wonder if you've just seen a mouse or if it's actually a rat scurrying about. Here are some quick ways to tell a mouse from a rat based on its appearance:

• Head shape and size: A mouse has a pointed head that looks small on their body.

• Eyes and ears: Mice have relatively large eyes and ears in proportion to their head.

• Body: A mature house mouse can grow to upwards of 3 1/2 inches and generally weighs less than an ounce. Juvenile roof rats have much larger feet than adult mice of the same size.

• Fur color and texture: Mice can be any color from grey to brown, and their fur is smoother than that of a rat's rougher coat.

• Tail size: Rats have thick, scaly tails. However, a mouse's tail is long and thin with a light coating of hair.

How long do mice live for?

Mice do not tend to live long but are still capable of reproducing rapidly. The mouse lifecycle begins with the infancy stage, lasting about three weeks, during which they depend on their mother for nourishment and care. The juvenile stage follows, lasting until they are six weeks old, where they grow rapidly and explore their environment more independently. By the age of six to eight weeks, mice reach adulthood, ready to reproduce. Adult mice can live up to one to two years in the wild, although this can vary depending on environmental factors and predation levels.

Common types of mice that live in the U.S.

Mice are adaptable creatures that have spread to almost every corner of the globe, thriving in various environments. Several common mouse species, including the house mouse and deer mouse, have become widespread in the United States. The house mouse can be found all over the country, and its fur can vary in color. It tends to dwell in human habitats. The deer mouse has a distinctive white belly and larger eyes, prefers woodland areas, and can also be found across most of the U.S.

What attracts mice into homes?

Mice enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter, especially in the fall or winter when resources are limited. These tiny rodents can enter your home through spaces as small as a dime, including cracks and holes in walls, floors, foundations, gaps in windows and ceilings, sewer lines, drainage pipes, and vents. Inside homes, they prefer to hide in attics, basements, wall voids, crawlspaces, storage boxes, and behind or inside appliances. If you think you may have a mouse infestation, here are some signs to look for:

• Droppings

• Gnaw marks on furniture, walls, food packaging, or wires

• Tracks or rub marks on walls or floors

• Nesting materials like shredded paper, fabrics, insulation, or plant matter

• Scratching or scurrying sounds

• Musty odors from their urine

Are mice dangerous?

Though not typically aggressive, mice may bite if cornered or handled, posing a direct risk of injury. They can also carry and transmit pathogens that can cause salmonellosis and leptospirosis through their urine, feces, and saliva. Mice gnaw on various materials, which can lead to significant damage within homes, including chewed wires, compromised structural integrity, and destruction of personal property.

What do mice eat?

Mice are opportunistic feeders with a diet that varies whether inside or outside homes. In the wild, they primarily consume seeds, grains, and fruits but also eat insects. Inside homes, their diet can become more diverse as they take advantage of whatever is available. This may include food crumbs, pet food, and even items in the pantry or trash. Their ability to adapt their diet to their surroundings is one key reason they are such successful and pervasive pests in both rural and urban settings.

What to do if mice are in your home

Spotting a mouse in your home can be unsettling, but there are steps you can take to address the issue. Begin by identifying potential entry points and sealing any gaps or cracks. Remove food sources, store leftovers securely, and keep your kitchen clean. If you spot a mouse in your home, it's crucial to contact a professional rodent control service immediately because they reproduce quickly and can become a larger issue in no time. Terminix technicians have the knowledge and tools to identify the extent of the infestation, eliminate the mice, and help prevent future occurrences. Schedule an inspection to get started with Terminix mouse control services today!