Deer mice are tiny mammals that cause significant problems for households and businesses. Although they are most frequently seen in wilderness or rural areas, this species will make itself at home in unprotected homes, sheds, garages and barns.
Usually, these structures are surrounded by a thick growth of vegetation that provides many hiding places. Deer mice initially may nest in this undergrowth, emerging to seek food and water, both of which may be obtained from adjacent structures. Eventually, the mice will move indoors, especially as the weather cools in the fall.
With the deer mouse population established indoors, the problems for the homeowner multiply. Their home and everything in it is subject to destruction by curious rodents. Moreover, deer mice spread sicknesses like Hantavirus, so the home's occupants are at risk of becoming ill.
Deer mouse infestations can be difficult to control. The species is adept at hiding, and many DIY control methods only force the mice to find better places of concealment. True eradication of the infestation is only possible with the services of a qualified pest management professional.
WHAT DO DEER MICE LOOK LIKE?
Slim yet rounded, the deer mouse only measures approximately seven to ten centimeters in length. They have eyes that are beady and black, but their main source of information is their powerful sense of smell. The deer mouse may be identified by its oversized ears, which are sparsely covered in hair. The bi-colored body also is distinctive. On its back, the deer mouse has reddish-brown fur, but the stomach and feet are white. The tail similarly is bi-colored and may measure anywhere from five to 13 centimeters.
WHAT DO DEER MICE EAT?
The deer mouse's eating habits depend on what foods are available to them. Their mainly herbivorous habits may change to a more omnivorous style if they cannot find adequate supplies for the plant-based diet that they prefer. Berries, seeds, nuts and fruit are their favorite foods, but it is not unusual to see deer mice eating insects. A food cache may be accumulated in the nest to feed the mouse during the winter.
Given their opportunistic eating habits, it is no surprise that deer mice are able to find plenty of food to enjoy in pantries and kitchens. Fruit, pasta, grains, bread, peanut butter, crackers, meat and pet food all may be targeted by hungry deer mice.
WHERE DO DEER MICE LIVE?
Deer mice may be encountered virtually anywhere in North America. Accordingly, they can adapt to life in alpine zones, forests, deserts and even towns. Any area that has woodland, a great deal of bushes or a prairie offers excellent habitat for deer mice.
Nests are most frequently built from a collection of leaves, twigs, stems and the roots of grasses. If they have access to other items like feathers, fur or cloth that they can shred, these also will be incorporated into the nest. Common nesting sites include the undersides of logs or rocks or within tree hollows or stumps. An abandoned bird or squirrel nest could be ideal. Sometimes, deer mice nest indoors, looking for spaces that are dark, dry and well concealed. A drawer, cupboard or piece of upholstered furniture all may serve as a nest. The warm space beneath a kitchen appliance is another place where nests are likely to be found.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY DEER MICE
Deer mice are small, and this characteristic makes it easy for them to get inside just about any building. Damage may be caused to clothing, mattresses, upholstered furniture, documents, books and other items when deer mice come indoors. Additionally, deer mice will gnaw on almost everything that they encounter, so siding, drywall, roofing tiles, floors, doors and window frames all may sustain damage.
Wherever the deer mice nest, they leave a great deal of filth that may include a cache of food and waste products. It is essential that nests be removed and that a thorough clean up is conducted to minimize the damage and the health risk posed by such nests.
ARE DEER MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Deer mice are nocturnal and typically try to stay out of sight of predators, including people. This means that confrontations between people and deer mice are rare. Still, a person who inadvertently corners a deer mouse may receive bites or scratches that must receive immediate medical attention.
DO DEER MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Like other rodents, deer mice are responsible for spreading numerous illnesses. The most common of these is food poisoning, which is transmitted when people eat food that has been contaminated by deer mice. Although unpleasant, food poisoning typically is not serious, and the symptoms subside after a few days.
However, deer mice are known carriers of an infectious disease that is known as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This disease begins with flu-like symptoms but is capable of rapidly progressing to severe breathing problems that may prove to be fatal if left untreated.
HOW TO DETECT DEER MICE
Signs of a deer mouse presence include:
• Grease marks left by oily hair on baseboards and walls • One-quarter-inch long feces with pointed ends scattered around the home • A pervasive smell of urine in portions of the house • Damage to upholstery, mattresses, linens, towels, clothing and papers • Caches of seeds and nuts anywhere in the house
HOW TO PREVENT DEER MICE
To help protect against deer mice the following steps should be taken:
• Add rodent-proofing materials to all doorways • Seal or cover holes in the building's exterior • Keep weeds and grass mowed short • Remove clutter from the property • Decant food into stainless steel or glass containers through which mice cannot gnaw • Keep attics, basements and garages tidy, checking often for signs of rodent nests
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
