House Mouse

House Mouse   (Mus musculus)

The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in most parts of the world. It can breed rapidly and adapt quickly to changing conditions. In fact, a female house mouse can give birth to a half dozen babies every three weeks, and can produce up to 35 young per year.

Habitat

House mice live in structures, but they can survive outdoors, too. House mice prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas and often build nests out of paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation and fabrics. They are excellent climbers and can jump up to a foot high, however, they are color blind and cannot see clearly beyond six inches.

Food

House mice prefer to eat seeds and insects. When house mice live with or near humans, they become opportune feeders that will eat any available foodstuff or household item, including glue, soap, and paper. 

Biology

Female house mice can produce between 5 and 10 litters per year, with each litter containing anywhere from 5 to 12 young. Pregnancy lasts up to 21 days until the young are born furless, blind, and helpless. Newborn house mice develop quickly, maturing to adulthood in just 6 to 10 weeks. Females are ready to mate about a month after birth, while most males reach sexual maturity two months after being born. The average lifespan of a house mouse falls around one year in the wild and up to three years in captivity.

Threat

Mouse urine can cause allergies in children. Mice can also bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home. Damage to buildings, vehicles, and food goods.

Detection

Inspect the home for signs of mice droppings, gnaw marks and damaged food goods.

Prevention

To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed. Keep areas clear and store boxes off of the floor because mice can hide in clutter. Don’t overlook proper drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building to prevent ideal conditions in which house mice can nest.