Understanding the Different Species of Mice: A Guide to Effective Pest Removal

Dealing with pests in your home can be a big headache. One of the most common and frustrating pests is mice. Mice are small rodents that can cause a lot of damage to your property, contaminate food, and spread diseases. If you suspect mice in your home, it’s important to know that there are different species of mice, and each requires its own approach to control. In this blog, we’ll explore the different species of mice that can infest your home and how to identify and control them.

House Mouse (Mus musculus)

House mice are the most common type of mouse found in homes. They are small in size, with brown or grey fur, and are active at night. House mice are identified through their droppings, which are small and pointed, and their gnaw marks on various materials like food packaging and insulation. These mice breed quickly and can spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus.

Field Mouse (Apodemus agrarius)

Field mice are similar in size and appearance to house mice, but they have a yellowish-brown belly. They prefer outdoor habitats but can also find their way into homes through cracks and openings. Field mice can carry disease-carrying ticks and fleas. These mice are identified through their droppings, which are larger than house mice, and their feeding trails.

Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Deer mice are slightly larger than house mice and have a bicolored appearance with a white underbelly and brown back. They typically live in rural areas and can carry the hantavirus, which is transmitted through their droppings and urine. Deer mice are identified through their small, pointed droppings and unique odor.

White-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus)

White-footed mice are small in size, with a brownish-grey coat and white underbelly and feet. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can carry ticks that transmit Lyme disease. These mice are identified through their pointed droppings and their nest sites.

Vole (Microtus ochrogaster)

Voles are also known as meadow mice and are similar in size to field mice. They have brown fur and a short tail. Voles tend to live in burrows in gardens and lawns and can cause damage to plants and vegetation. Voles are identified through their droppings, which are small and rounded, and their runways in the grass.

Mice Control Methods

Exterminating mice from a home involves several methods that are both effective and safe. One common approach is using traps, which can be baited with food to attract and capture the rodents. Another method employed by professionals is the use of rodenticides, lethal substances designed to eliminate pests. However, caution must always be exercised when using these substances, especially in homes with children or pets. Exclusion techniques are often used to seal potential entry points, preventing future infestations.

For more info about mice control,  contact a local company.