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Mice are hardy little rodents that can be found all over the world.  Mice are considered to be troublesome pests. They are commonly responsible for causing property damage and are notorious for commercial crop destruction. Mice are known to spread disease including Hantavirus, bubonic plague, and salmonellosis. There are 38 species of mice. Common varieties include deer mouse, house mouse, field mouse, wood mouse, dormouse, spiny mouse and zebra mouse.

Identification – What do mice look like?

A mouse is a small rodent with a tapered nose, furry slender body, large prominent ears, small sharp claws, and a long often hairless tail. Mice come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. The most common colors are brown, grey, and white. Mice range from 1-7 inches in length and weigh between .5 and 1 ounce. Wild mice usually only live 1 to 2 1/2 years whereas pet mice can live up to 6 years. Female mice can give birth when they are two months old, and are able to have 6 to 8 litters per year.

Habitat and Habits of mice

Mice live in forests, grasslands, and man-made structures. In the wild, mice typically make a burrow underground. The burrow can be very complex with long entrances and many escape routes. The burrow helps protect them from predators. Mice predators include cats, birds, wild dogs, and foxes.

Mice eat between 15 and 20 times per day therefore they usually build their homes close to food sources. They are typically nocturnal and thus like to sleep during the day. They have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and smell. Mice are very good jumpers, climbers, and swimmers. They can jump up to 18 inches in the air.

Mice typically enter our homes between October and February, looking for food, water, and shelter from the cold. While these little creatures may look cute, they spread a lot of disease. They can carry as many as 200 human pathogens.

When homes are infested with mice, humans will often find mice droppings, nesting materials, gnaw marks, and chewed wires. In addition, mice can be heard at night scratching and scurrying in the walls and ceilings. If the home or structure is severely infested, a foul smell may be noticed. The smell may be from mice urine or dead bodies in the walls.

Diet – What do mice eat?

Mice are omnivorous which means they eat both plants and meat. They especially like to eat fruits, seeds and grains. The common house mouse will eat just about anything it can find.

Mouse Control- How to get rid of mice?

All feeding sites and entry points must be identified and eliminated. Home extermination techniques vary from glue or snap traps to baits.  Mouse infestations are troublesome and dangerous to humans. It is therefore necessary to exterminate any mouse infestation. It is advisable to take action at the first sign of an infestation when colonies are small. Populations grow rapidly and are difficult to eradicate. The most efficient mouse extermination methods are those administered by trained pest control professionals. Contact Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest to arrange for an inspection and consultation.