THE MOUSE                                                                                   

HEALTH THREAT: Mouse droppings and urine can spread the Hantavirus to humans, transmit salmonella and are most widely known for spreading the bubonic plague.

PROPERTY THREAT: Mice can cause structural damage by nesting inside walls, and constantly gnawing on wiring, drywall and fabric.

 

          Although mice are known for living in filth and nesting in condemned, dilapidated buildings, many homeowners make the mistake of thinking their homes are impervious to these enduring pests. However, rats and mice go wherever food and shelter exist. Meaning even the newest, cleanest homes are at risk for an infestation. Rats and Mice put your family at risk by getting into your food supply, then contaminating it with their waste, causing damage to property by digging and gnawing, biting people and family pets, and most dangerously of all, they transport parasites such as fleas, mites and worms, spreading disease.  

 

Signs of a Mouse Infestation

          Small pellet shaped feces, pointed and both ends

          Mice follow the same paths, outside look for small trails, cleared of debris.

          Indoors, look for greasy runways along stairs, walls and rafters.

          Mouse urine will shine as bluish to yellowish white, under any type of black light.

          You may be able to hear them inside walls, squeaking, running or climbing.

 

MOST COMMMON TYPES OF MICE

Deer Mouse 

ALSO KNOWN AS: Field mouse

          Deer mice are named for the color of their fur, which is the same as the fur color of the whitetail deer. Deer mice roam rural areas that are abundant with tall grass to hide in, vegetation to eat and weeds. Deer mice usually enter yards looking for seeds and insects to feed on, then eventually move into human homes. 

          Traits of a Deer Mouse

          Length: Up to seven inches

          Color: Bi-colored, ranges from a reddish or yellowish brown to a gray color with a white underbelly

          Ears: Round and almost hairless

          Tail: Brown at the tip with a white base

 

House Mouse

THREAT: Causes property damage & transmits salmonella and bubonic plag

          The House Mouse is named for its fondness to infest human homes. Although the house mouse is often made into a domestic pet, these wild house mice still pose the same threat as their less attractive cousins, the rat. Both can spread disease by leaving behind waste, cause property damage and contaminate your food supply.

          Traits of a House Mouse

          Length: Three to four inches

          Color: Light brown or grayish black with lighter underbellies

          Ears: Small, almost hairless 

          Tail: Used for support when standing on its two hind legs

          Communicates with squeaks