Common Species of Mice
While there are over 40 species of mice throughout the world, there are only 3 species you are likely to encounter invading your home. Those three species include:
House Mouse (Mus Musculus)
House mice are the most common household pests in the rodent world. House mice are active all year round, making your home or office prone to an infestation at any time.
- Identification: House mice are around 70 to 95mm in length, not including the tail, which measures about the same length as the body. Their head and feet are small, with large eyes and rounded ears that distinguish them from small brown rats. Their colors range from light to dark brown.
- Lifecycle: With 7-8 litters a year of 4-16 babies per litter, it’s no wonder house mice can become a difficult pest to eradicate. Most house mice live less than a year in the wild, however, they can live up to three years in rare cases.
- Habits: House mice prefer a diet of cereals and have the ability to consume 3 grams of food a day. They require very little water to survive, however they can consume up to 3ml a day when living off a very dry diet. Though house mice prefer burrowing and living close to the ground, they can climb as well.
Deer Mouse (Peromyscus Maniculatus)
Deer mice are most commonly found in wooded areas. That doesn’t stop them from occasionally wandering into homes, however. Homes or sheds located in or around wooded areas are most prone to deer mouse infestations. In addition to carrying potential health risks, deer mice can be destructive to wooden structures.
- Identification: Deer mice measure around 80 to 100mm long, not including the tail. They have bi-colored long tails covered in short fur. They vary in color from pale gray to reddish brown on top with white fur on their bellies and feet.
- Lifecycle: Deer mice usually live around 2-14 months in the wild, though their lifespans can last up to 5-8 years in captivity. Female deer mice will have 2-4 litters per year with 3-5 young each. The female gestation period is 21-24 days.
- Habits: Deer mice are nocturnal and will, therefore, be most active at night. They are known for climbing and will often infest attics and upper floors, particularly during winter months when they seek shelter from the harsh conditions outside. Deer mice are known for carrying the deadly hantavirus, making it especially important to rid yourself of a deer mouse infestation as quickly as possible.
White Footed Mouse (Peromyscus Leucopus)
The white-footed mouse can be found throughout most of the east coast of the United States all the way to Colorado, Montana, and Arizona. White-footed mice are most common near bushlands or in properties bordering forested or agricultural areas.
- Identification: White-footed mice are similar in appearance to deer mice. Adult white-footed mice measure 90-100mm without the tail, which can add another 60-90mm. They range in color from grayish to reddish brown with white undersides and white feet. Their tails are usually the same two colors as their body.
- Lifecycle: In warmer climates, white-footed mice can live up to 48 months, while in colder northern climates their life expectancy is between 12-24 months.
- Habits: White-footed mice are omnivores, their preferred diet consists of seeds and insects. They are timid and generally avoid humans, though they can occasionally be found on ground floors where they will build nests to store food. Like deer mice, white-footed mice can also be carriers of hantavirus.