House Mouse

Category:

Actual Size: 5 to 8” long including the tail

Characteristics: Light brown or gray to black in color. Has large ears compared to the rest of their bodies.

Habitat: Typically builds nests in trees when outdoors. May also nest in wall voids or other sheltered human structures.

Habits:

  • Rapidly reproduces; in just 8 months, 24 mice can become 2,000.
  • Capable of transmitting diseases such as salmonella.
  • Can visit a single food source up to 100 times in a single night.


House Mice in Memphis TN Metro Area

The common house mouse is widespread throughout the United States and holds the top position as the most troublesome rodent in many cities. House mice are considered commensal, which means they typically live in close proximity to humans and rely on human environments for both shelter and food. These mice flourish all year round and can be discovered in residences, commercial establishments, open fields, and agricultural areas. As they search for food, they contaminate human and pet food by leaving behind droppings and urine. Additionally, house mice cause significant structural damage by gnawing through walls and can transmit disease-causing pathogens such as salmonella, a type of food poisoning.

House Mouse Habitat

In outdoor settings, house mice create nests in fields and underneath trees and shrubs. When indoors, mice prefer to build their nests in undisturbed and quiet spaces such as wall voids, kitchen cabinets, attics, and garages. You can identify areas where mice are active by looking for droppings, fresh gnaw marks, as well as tracks or rub marks. These nests are typically constructed using finely shredded paper or other fibrous materials, usually in protected locations. One way to detect the presence of house mice is by their distinct musky odor. While mice are primarily active at night, there may be occasions when they are seen during daylight hours.

House Mouse Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The house mouse has a diverse diet as an omnivore, although it shows a preference for grains and cereals. These mice pose a threat to food safety as they contaminate food sources and are associated with the spread of diseases like salmonella and bubonic plague. In addition to the health risks, house mice can cause substantial harm to structures by gnawing and creating tunnels through walls. There have been instances where mice have been involved in the occurrence of fires and explosions in both residential and commercial buildings. Their habit of chewing on electrical wires within walls can lead to sparks and subsequent fires within the interior walls.

If you have a house mouse infestation in your Memphis TN Metro Area property, always contact a licensed rodent control company.