The house mouse is a real problem! This mouse can live and thrive under a variety of conditions, in and around our homes. House mice will invade homes & barns, and eat or contaminate food meant for us, our pets, & livestock. Their constant gnawing can cause severe damage to homes and other buildings & structures.
House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence. Although these mice are occasionally seen during daylight hours, they are mostly nocturnal. Droppings, fresh gnawing, and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mouse nests, made from finely shredded paper or other fibrous material, are often found in sheltered locations, in out-of-the-way places.
House mice are gray or brown rodents, with relatively large ears, and small eyes. An adult weighs about 14 grams and is about 13 – 20 cm in length, including the tail, which is as long as the body.
In a single year, a female can have up to 10 litters of 5 – 6 young each. Young mice are born 19 – 21 days after mating, and they are sexually mature in 6 – 10 weeks. The life span of a house mouse is about 12 months.