The most common species of mouse found in Utah is the deer mouse. They cause problems when they build nests in sheds, garages, outbuildings and in our homes. They are called deer mice because they look like very small deer. They are also known as field mice because they live in fields and forests.

Deer Mice Identification

Deer mice measure about three inches with a tail that is also about three inches long. Their fur is brownish-reddish on the top with a white belly. They have large, black beady eyes, with a pointed nose and large ears with a little fur on them. Their tail is also bi-colored, dark on the top and light on the bottom. They feed from dusk till dawn and prefer insects, seeds, nuts, berries, and small fruits. They need very little water for survival because they absorb it from the food they eat. Deer mice can breed all year round. One female deer mouse can have five or six litters every year and young mice can start to have babies in as little as six weeks after they have been born. This can make deer mice very difficult to control. If you see rodents of any kind during the day, you likely have a big problem on your hands. The help of professional pest control is the best way to take care of problems with any rodents.

How Do Deer Mice Gain Entry into My House?

Mice have all sorts of ways they use to gain entry into your home.
● They can get into openings as small as ¼”
● They can jump up to 18”
● They can climb vertical surfaces that have a rough texture
● They crawl through pipes and tunnels
● They can gnaw through almost anything, including window screens, wood, aluminum sheeting and even concrete!

Hantavirus Disease in Deer Mice Droppings

Deer mice might look cute, but they can carry dangerous diseases. Deer mice can carry Hantavirus. This virus is spread through exposure to rodents and is carried predominantly by deer mice in North America. You can become infected with this virus when contaminated dust is inhaled after it has been disturbed. There is no evidence that Hantavirus can be spread from human to human, but the infection can lead to respiratory failure or Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). This is a deadly lung disease that has a mortality rate of 38 percent. While it is rare, it can be deadly.

Deer Mice Prevention

The best way to keep mice out of your home is to prevent them from getting in in the first place. Seal any openings they might use and use heavy material like concrete mortar, sheet metal or heavy gauge hardware cloth to do it. Protect food and make sure pet food doesn’t sit out overnight. If you have to work in areas that deer mice have been, wear heavy gloves and OSHA-approved respirators to prevent exposure. The area will also need to be disinfected after it has been cleaned up.

Rodent Control

If one or two mice manage to get into your home, it may not be long before you have many of them in your home. Contact Rentokil as soon as you suspect you’re dealing with rodents.