There are numerous species of mice in the United States but the four most common are the house mouse, the field mouse, the Western Harvest mouse and the white-footed mouse. In this article, we are going to cover these species, what they look like, and how they behave.
Field mouse
Also known as the deer mouse, the field mouse is common on the west coast from Mexico to Canada. It can grow to be anywhere from four to nine inches, with fur that can range from gray to deep red and a white belly. This species will gestate for up to 24 days and it will give birth to around four mice per litter and about two to four litters per year. They are nocturnal creatures and will usually seek shelter inside a home during winter, making nests in wall voids, basements and attics. They are found near wooded areas and they are also excellent climbers. Besides being a nuisance, these mice may carry diseases such as the hantavirus, which leads to the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in humans.
House mouse
Active all year round, this extremely common species of mice can make their way into your home during any season. They can grow to be eight inches in length, but they will only weigh one ounce at most. It takes about 35 days for a house mouse to reach maturity, and this species has a gestation period of about 21 days. At eight litters per year with about 8 mice per litter, this species can infest a home very quickly. They are an inquisitive species, preferring to live on the ground floor, but they are excellent climbers if push comes to shove.
Western Harvest mouse
Another west coast species, the Western Harvest mouse can grow to be nine inches in length, with soft, brown fur, and big hairless ears. It has a gestation period of 24 days with 2-9 mice per litter and a year-round breeding pattern, with a slowdown during deep winter. The species is primarily nocturnal, with spherical nests and a seed, plant and insect-based diet.
White-footed mouse
A mouse that is commonly found in the eastern part of the country, this species prefers wooded areas as a natural habitat. It can grow up to 8 inches in length and to a weight of half an ounce. These mice have gray or reddish-brown furs, with a white belly and white feet. They have a gestation period of just over three weeks and they can have six mice per litter with up to four litters per year. Also a nocturnal species, the white-footed mouse will prefer to build their nests in concealed areas within homes, garages, or any other structure that is warm and relatively dry.
Do you have a mouse infestation?
Mice are carriers of disease, and they have been known to cause property damage. If you have a mouse infestation it’s best to get rid of it right away. Contact us today for more information.
