Deer Mouse
Our remedy for deer mouse control
First, contact us. Effective rodent control involves sealing as many holes and cracks as possible in the outside of your home. Keep firewood stored as far from the home as possible and store it off the ground. Remove piles of debris, stones, bricks and leaves near your home’s foundation. Stuff large holes or cracks in your foundation with steel wool or wire mesh before sealing with caulk or foam—otherwise mice could chew through. And since mice can slip under many garage doors, don’t forget to tightly seal the door from the garage to the house.
To locate existing nests and eliminate mice already in your home, professional rodent control materials such as baits and traps are usually needed.
For recurring rodent problems, consider year round protection against rodents and many other pests with our Healthy Home Maintenance Program.
How to Identify a Deer Mouse
Appearance
The deer mouse is brown with a white belly and feet. They’re round in body shape, 5 to 8 inches long, have big eyes and rounded ears.
Habitat
Deer mice prefer outdoor habitats and tend to make their homes in hollow tree logs, leaf piles, and other brush. It’s rare that the deer mouse will venture into your home. If they do, they tend to prefer undisturbed zones, like the attic, or corners of the garage.
Diet
Omnivorous, but prefers seeds, nuts, grains, and plant materials.
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Deer Mouse FAQs
What Is a Deer Mouse?
Deer mice, named for their fur resembling that of a deer, might seem charming at first glance, but they pose significant health risks as potential carriers of Hantavirus. Recognizing and addressing a deer mouse infestation is crucial for safety.
What Do Deer Mice Look Like?
Typically round and small, deer mice measure between 5 to 8 inches in length. Their brown or dark brown fur is complemented by white feet and underbellies. Notably, their bicolored tails, usually half brown and half white, are distinctive features. Newly born deer mice are pink and devoid of hair.
Where Do Deer Mice Live?
Preferring rural outdoor environments, deer mice are less common in urban areas. They inhabit various landscapes, such as open grasslands, forests, cliffs, and pasturelands. Nests are often found in old fence posts, tree hollows, log piles, and beneath decks. During winter, they seek refuge indoors in homes, garages, sheds, or occasionally unused vehicles, nesting in storage boxes, drawers, wall voids, and confined spaces in basements and attics. Their diet comprises insects, seeds, nuts, berries, and small fruits.
What Threats Are Posed by Deer Mice?
Deer mice pose a significant health risk due to their potential to transmit Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a potentially fatal virus transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with the rodents’ excrement or saliva. Though rare, transmission can also occur through contact with carcasses or bites.
What Are Some Signs of an Infestation?
Regular inspections for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and damaged goods are essential to prevent infestations. Focus on areas like basements, attics, outbuildings, and infrequently used vehicles, as deer mice tend to favor outdoor settings.
How Can We Get Rid of Deer Mice?
Preventing entry is critical, sealing cracks larger than ¼ inch and replacing loose mortar and weather stripping. Keep food in sealed containers, maintain cleanliness, dispose of garbage regularly, and declutter storage areas. Trim shrubs and branches away from the house, refrain from storing pet food or birdseed in accessible areas and conduct regular inspections. When dealing with infested areas, use protective gear. While these measures are helpful, consulting a licensed pest control professional is advisable for effective removal.
How Can You Tell if You Have a Deer Mouse Infestation?
Identifying a deer mouse infestation involves looking for specific signs such as the presence of rodent droppings, distinct gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or structures, and hearing scurrying noises within walls or ceilings, especially at night. Finding nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or other fibrous material in secluded areas of your home is another key indicator.
What Are the First Steps to Take When You Discover a Deer Mouse in Your Home?
Upon discovering a deer mouse, prioritize sealing off the area to prevent further access by the mouse or its companions. Begin thorough cleaning procedures to eliminate potential nesting materials and sources of food. Contact a pest control professional to assess the extent of the infestation and discuss the most effective removal strategy.
Are There Natural Predators That Can Help Control Deer Mouse Populations?
In natural outdoor environments, deer mice have a range of predators, including snakes, owls, hawks, and foxes. While these predators can help control outdoor populations, relying on natural predators is not recommended as a control strategy within residential areas due to the potential for introducing other problems.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Home for Signs of Deer Mice?
Regular inspections should be conducted seasonally, especially in the transition from fall to winter, when mice seek shelter from colder temperatures. Additional checks should be performed if any signs of an infestation, like droppings or strange noises, are noticed or if there has been a history of rodent activity in the home.
Can Deer Mice Damage Property?
Yes, deer mice can cause significant damage to homes and personal property through their gnawing and nesting behaviors. They can gnaw on wood, electrical wiring, and household items, potentially causing electrical fires. Their nesting can also damage insulation, clothing, and stored items.
Can You Remove Deer Mice From Our Home?
Franklin Pest Solutions is proud to answer your questions related to a deer mouse vs house mouse, deer mouse size, deer mouse habitats, deer mouse in houses, and more. We offer our services for homes and businesses within a 50 mile radius from each of our branch locations in Hammond, Michigan City, Lafayette, New Albany, Indianapolis, and South Bend, IN.
Just puts my mind at ease knowing Franklin Pest solutions has our back!
Always a great experience when Mike R. comes to service our home. Used a few different company’s and Franklin Pest Solutions is the best! Get the year long plan it’s well worth the money. We called about mice and Mike was very knowledgeable and thorough with his inspection. Just puts my mind at ease knowing Franklin Pest solutions has our back!”
Rick Z. | Homeowner
Schererville, IN
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