Mice

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is native to Central Asia, and was brought to North America by ships from Europe and other points of origin.  The house mouse is a vary adaptable animal, which thrives under a variety of conditions.  They are found in and around homes, and commercial structures, as well as in open fields and agricultural lands.  The house mouse is a nibbler and will sample many foods, but prefers to eat cereals and grains.  They consume and contaminate food meant for humans, pets, livestock or other animals.  In addition to damaging structures and property they can also transmit pathogens that cause disease, like salmonellosis (a form of food poisoning).

Mice are very small rodents, the adult house mouse is about 5 ½ to 7 ½ inches long including the 3 to 4 inch tail.  They weight only about ½ ounce, and are usually brownish to gray in color.  They have large ears and small black eyes.  Mice are mostly active at night, but occasionally will be seen during the day.  Mouse nests are made from shredded paper or other fibrous material.  The house mouse has a distinct musky odor that identifies their presence.  Droppings, gnawing marks, and tracks will indicate areas that mice are active.  Sanitation will not completely control mice, however poor sanitation will help them thrive in larger numbers.  Exclusion is the most successful and permanent form of house mouse control.  (Read How to prevent a rodent infestation on our FAQ page)