Pest Library
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All it takes is one pest sighting to ruin the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner)
The deer mouse takes refuge from the cold winter months indoors. They are the primary carriers of Hantavirus, a potentially deadly disease transmitted by the inhalation of dust that is contaminated with urine or droppings. They live in storage boxes and upholstered furniture, leaving their waste behind and posing a serious health threat to people.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Mammalia | Rodentia | Muridae | |
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| Size: | Deer mouse adult's head+body length is 2.75-4 in (7-10 cm ); tail length is about 2-5 in (5-13 cm ); weight is about 1 ounce (10-35 g). |
| Color: | The deer mouse is bicolored, pale gray/buff to deep red/brown above, and white below. |
| Characteristics: | Tail is longer than half of head+body length, sharply bicolored, and covered with short hairs or fur. Hind feet have six pads each. |
| Geographic Range: | Western U.S. from Mexico to so. Yukon and Northwest territories of Canada; eastern U.S. from Hudson Bay to Pennsylvania, so. Appalachians, c. Arkansas and c. Texas. |
| Food: | Deer mice eat insects, seeds, nuts, berries, fruits, underground fungus. Food is stored in protected places for winter use. |
| Biology: | Litters have about 3-5 young. With a gestation period of 21-24 days, females have 2-4 litters per year, mostly in the spring. They begin breeding at 5-6 weeks of age. |
- Look for mice in furniture, basement, walls, and insulation.
- Check for gnaw marks.
- Watch out for droppings.
- Keep buildings clean and clutter-free to prevent mice from nesting there.
- Examine cracks or holes in your buildings, as they can serve as entranceways for mice.