Late fall is the time of year where rodents will find their way inside our homes to spend the winter, and deer mice are no exception. Deer mice are one of the most abundant and widely distributed mammals in North America. They measure 3 to 4 inches in length and have pointed noses with large black eyes. Their ears have a little fur on them and they have bicolored bodies that are light brownish-red on the top with white bellies.

Deer Mice Habitat & Diet

Deer mice like to live in forests, grasslands and agricultural crops. They are nocturnal, spending most of their day in nests or other sites of refuge. Their nests are made up of leaves, twigs, stems, and grassroots. They will also use fibrous materials, fur, feathers or shredded clothes to line the inside of their nests. These nests will be found inside hollow trees stumps, roots, under rocks and logs. They will also take advantage of abandoned squirrel or bird nests. If they find their way inside your home they won’t hibernate over the winter but will become dormant if the weather gets very cold, nesting in family groups until the spring. Deer mice are omnivores, eating a wide range of animal and plant matter that depends on what’s available. They like to eat a range of seeds, as well as fruits, fungi, invertebrates, and some vegetation. In the fall, when tree seeds and nuts are abundant, they will cache their food and store it around their nesting site. They will not reproduce over the winter but if they have large food supplies stored, they can and will.

Deer Mice Damage

The seeds that deer mice eat in the forest can prevent the trees from growing back. They will raid stored grains and other food supplies. Deer mice will gnaw at away at fabric and boxes along with gnawing through electrical wiring, and that can lead to fires. It can also lead to freezer, clothes dryer and other appliance and electrical failures.

Deer Mice Diseases; Hantavirus

Deer mice are the most common carriers out of all rodents to carry hantavirus. Hantavirus is transferred to humans from deer mice and can lead to a deadly disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and breathing problems that can become fatal. Transmission usually occurs through breathing the dust from the mouse’s feces, urine or saliva.

Signs of a Deer Mouse Infestation; Droppings, Chewed Boxes, Sounds & More

Know the signs of a deer mouse infestation so you can take action immediately. You can hear them at night in the walls or the ceiling above but the first indication will most likely be their droppings that are usually found on the floor, in drawers, and under the sink. You might find chewed openings in the wall, cabinets and cardboard boxes as well.

Rodent Control

Leaving these rodents unchecked can lead to trouble and danger. If they happen to make their way into your home, removal can be difficult. Professional pest control is required to take care of existing deer mouse infestations. If you think you’re having issues, you should contact Rentokil & Lawn Services today!