House Mouse
Scientific Name:
Mus Musculus meaning "little thief"
Color:
Dusty gray
Weight:
½-1 ounce
Length:
2.5-4 inches
Tail Length:
As long as body - up to 4 inches
Body:
Small head & slender body
Ears:
Moderately large ears
Eyes:
Small & somewhat protruding; color blind
Lifespan:
1-2 years
Droppings:
¼ inch long with pointed ends; dark color
Other Names: Common House Mouse, Domestic House Mouse
Excellent hearing, vision, smell and touch have enabled the mouse to be highly adaptable to homes and indoor buildings. All they need is a 1/4" opening to be able to enter a building, so they often have access to many places along the building's perimeter.
Diet of the House Mouse
Daily Amount:
1/10 Ounce
Daily Water:
Utilizes moisture in food
Daily Food:
Cereal grains, meats, seeds
Habitat of the House Mouse
Geography:
Throughout the US & south of Boreal Forest in Canada
Nest Location:
Corners in cluttered areas, base voids of appliances; Less than 30ft. from food source
Home Range:
6-30 ft. from nest
Active Periods:
Nocturnal; most feeding occurs 30 minutes after sunset and before sunrise
Reproduction of the House Mouse
Litter Size:
5-7 pups per litter
No. of Litters:
6- 10 per year
Sexual Maturity:
1 month
Gestation Period:
20 days
Breeding Season:
Indoors: All year; Outdoors: Spring & Fall
Top 10 High Activity Areas
- Secluded corners
- Beneath cabinets
- Furniture voids - couches, chairs, dressers
- Bases of kitchen appliances - refrigerator, stove
- Ceiling and wall voids near corners and heat sources
- Top of basement and crawl space foundation walls
- Cluttered, neglected office drawers in desks
- Storage boxes in closets
- Cluttered garages
- Bases of water heaters
