House house identification in Knoxville TN. Russell's Pest Control

House Mouse

Category:

Actual Size: 5” to 8” long including the tail

Characteristics: Light brown to gray to nearly black. Large ears compared to the body.

Habitat: Outside, they build nests near trees. Inside, they inhabit wall voids, cabinets, and garages.

Habits:

  • House mice reproduce quickly and they are most active at night
  • They gain access through dime-sized holes, and beneath exterior doors
  • House mice often come indoors to escape dropping temperatures outside

House Mice in Knoxville TN

House mice are one of the most common household pest problems. These mice can squeeze through dime-sized cracks to gain entry into homes and buildings. House mouse fur varies in color from light brown to black, while the underbelly typically appears beige. Interestingly, the closer a house mouse lives in relation to humans, the darker the fur becomes. House mice nibble on small amounts of food, eating at dusk and before dawn. They are omnivores with a diet focused on seeds, roots, leaves, and stems. Female house mice can produce between 5 and 10 litters per year, with each litter containing anywhere from 5 to 12 young. They are dependent upon human activity for shelter and survival, which is why they will gladly take up residence in your property. One of the signs of a house mouse problem is noticing a musty, unpleasant odor.

House Mouse Habitat

During the fall and winter months, the colder temperatures drive these mice indoors, seeking shelter. House mice prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas and often build nests out of paper products, cotton, packing materials, wall insulation, and fabrics. House mice are nocturnal, but they can be spotted during the day. Droppings, fresh gnaw marks, and tracks or rub marks indicate areas where mice are active. Nests are made from finely shredded paper or other fibrous material, usually in sheltered locations.

House Mouse Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

The house mouse may be small but can cause more damage than you’d think. House mice contaminate food and are implicated in the transmission of diseases such as salmonella and bubonic plague. The house mouse can cause significant damage to structures by gnawing and tunneling through walls. Mice have also been implicated in the generation of fires and explosions in homes and buildings. Chewed, exposed wires inside walls can spark, causing interior walls to catch fire. If you are dealing with a house mouse problem in your Knoxville area home, always contact a licensed rodent control company.

Need help with House Mouse control?

We'll call you! Leave your information below.

Related pests