| Description:
The house mouse is the most
common and economically important
commensal (i.e., living in close
association with humans) rodent.
The house mouse is gray and
it weighs one half to one ounce.
The body is three to four inches
long and the tail three to four
inches long. The muzzle is pointed,
the ears are large, the eyes
and body are small. Typically,
the house mouse is slightly
smaller than deer mice. Adult
droppings are 1/8- to 1/4. inch
long and rod-shaped with pointed
ends.
Habits:
House mice are found throughout
the United States. They are
good climbers, jump 12 inches
high, and can jump down from
eight feet. House mice easily
squeeze through holes and
gaps wider than 1/4-inch.
They are very social in their
behavior, very inquisitive
about things in their environment,
and readily explore anything
new.
House mice prefer to nest
in dark secluded areas where
there is little chance of
disturbance, and in areas
where nesting materials, such
as paper, cardboard, attic
insulation, cotton, etc.,
are readily available. Their
foraging territories are small
usually no more than 20 feet;
however, if abundant food
is nearby they nest within
four to five feet. They nibble
on food, preferring items
such as seeds and cereals.
They feed at dusk and just
before dawn.
The major health risks associated
with house mice are salmonella
contamination and leptospirosis.
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