Small, slender rodent that has a slightly pointed nose; small, black, somewhat protruding eyes; large, scantily haired ears, and a nearly hairless tail with obvious scale rings.13” to 18” long, including the tail, which is shorter than the head/body combined.
House mice live in and around homes, farms, commercial establishments, as well as in open fields and agricultural lands.
The onset of cold weather each fall in temperate regions is said to cause mice to move into structures in search of shelter and food.
Prefer seeds and grains but as nibblers they sample many items in their environment and will be drawn to foods at are high in fat, protein and sugar.
House mice are mainly nocturnal, although at some locations considerable daytime activity may be seen. Opportunistic foragers eating nearly any food, but prefer meat, grains, and nuts.
Mice have poor eyesight, relying more on their hearing and their excellent senses of smell, taste and touch. They are considered essentially colorblind.
House mice can dig and may burrow into the ground in fields or around structures when other shelter is not readily available. Nesting may occur here or in any sheltered location. Nests are constructed of fibrous materials and generally have the appearance of a “ball” of material loosely woven together.
Litters of 5 or 6 young are born 19 to 21 days after mating with 5-10 litters per year.
Known to carry and transmit pathogens.
Hantavirus symptoms (HPS) usually start one to eight weeks after contact with infected mice or rats or their urine, feces, and saliva. This first 3-5 days fever, sore muscles, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and as the disease progresses causes shortness of breath, fluid fills the lungs.
