The average adult mouse (mus musculus) weighs approximately 15 g and is approximately 15 cm long form head to tail. Unfortunately, often the first clear evidence of rodent activity is the discovery of partially eaten, spilled or hoarded food, damaged packaging or other signs of recent gnawing. Electrical cables, plastic piping, pipe insulation and wooden structures are all common sites of gnawing damage.

Information and Habitat

House mouse (Mus musculus) - The house mouse looks somewhat like a young roof rat, but smaller. It is approximately 5-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches total length. Like the roof rat, its tail is as long or longer than the head and body combined. However, mice have proportionately smaller heads and feet than those of a roof rat. The color of the house mouse depends upon its habitat; if it lives indoors it will usually be dark gray with a light gray stomach; outdoors it will usually be a sandy brown color. House mice do not pose as serious a problem to the householder as rats, but they can be quite a nuisance. They also eat and contaminate food with their urine and droppings; may gnaw on wiring creating a fire hazard, and they can transmit some diseases. Spread of diseases by mice, however, is not considered a serious health hazard in our area.

Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) - This wide-spread, native rodent is another medium-size mouse, averaging 7 inches total length. The tail is longer than the head and body combined. Upper body is varying shades of brown with white sides and underparts (including chin and throat). Tail is strongly bi-colored. Deer mice have been identified as occasional vectors of Lyme Disease and Hanta Virus and should be controlled around human habitation where these diseases are prevalent. Check the CDC website or your local health department for more information on these diseases.

Threats

Salmonellosis, caused by the bacteria of the Salmonella group ranks as one of the most widespread of animal borne diseases. Infection occurs from the contamination of food and/or drink with rodent excreta. Parasites carried and transmitted by rodents include ringworm, mites, tapeworms, ticks and fleas. Rodent urine also contains allergens that may be irritating to those with allergies or asthma who are exposed on a regular basis. In addition, rodent urine can stain surfaces -- an unsightly way to detect their presence in your home.

Rodents will eat food and chew on property if they find their way into a home. Severe rodent infestations can result in structural damage.

For more information on common pests, please visit buginfo.com