Order: Rodentia

Family: Muridae

 

The House Mouse is the most commonly encountered rodent. They damage and destroy stored foods and materials. They can be found throughout the United States.

 

Description: Adult body length ranges from 2-1/2-3-1/2 inches long. The House Mouse fur is smooth and dusty gray in color with a light gray or white belly. The tail length can be as long as four inches.

 

Biology: These mice are fast breeders. Females may have as many as eight litters per year every 40-50 days. With an average of six young per litter, the mouse population can increase rapidly. These mice are exceptional climbers and have keen senses. They can jump as high as 12 inches and from heights of eight feet without injury. Mice contaminate stored food items with their urine and droppings. The most common threat is Salmonella.

 

Habits: The House Mouse is nocturnal (active at night). They are very social and inquisitive. They live in groups run by a dominate male. Mice enjoy a variety of different kinds of foods, but prefer seeds. They nest in dark spaces such as wall voids, insulation, packing materials and paper products. Mice can gain entry through an opening as small as the perimeter of a dime.