House Mouse (Mus domesticus)

The House mouse is small and slender, 3 to 4 inches long, with large ears, small eyes and pointed nose - light brown or light grey. They nest within structures and burrows & establish a "territory" near food sources that are generally 10 to 30 feet from the nest. The House mouse is a prolific breeder by two months of age. They can have litters as often as every 40 or 50 days, with 4 to 7 young per litter and can live up to one year. They feed 15 to 20 times per day and can squeeze through a hole 1/4 inch wide.

Mice are more numerous than rats and are more widespread throughout urban and suburban communities. A mouse can be distinguished from a young rat since the rats head and feet will be overly large in relation to its body.

It is common in a wide range of urban and rural buildings all over Britain. Although mainly a house dweller, it may live outdoors for part or all of the year. It is not found in sewers.

They invade your business seeking food, water and warmth. One pair of mice can produce 200 offspring in 4 months.

Each mouse can contaminate ten times more food than it eats.

• Food Source removal is a key component for successful rodent control.
• Garbage and food should be stored in sealed containers.
• Spilled food and garbage should be cleaned up regularly.
• Outside debris and vegetation should be eliminated - maintain an uncluttered weed-free perimeter of at least 3 Feet around buildings.
• Eliminate items such as old equipment, boards, pipes or wood piles.
• Trim any tree branches overhanging buildings.
• Eliminate sources of water such as ditches, stagnant pools and ponds.

• Close all holes in exterior walls
• Permit no openings over 1/4 inch around doors and windows.
• Install self closing devices on doors frequently used.
• Down spouts need a screen on the bottom as well as at the top.
• Beware of openings near the top of buildings, such as roof vents, eaves, attic vents, overhangs and roof-top air Conditioning units.

Successful control of mice requires a close understanding of the pest species, it's biology, lifestyle and habits.