These tiny rodents are often found throughout the Bucks County area. Though they are small, they are capable of wreaking havoc with their gnawing. They are known to carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans that may be life-threatening. Professional rodent control management is essential to successful eradication of a deer mouse an infestation.
WHAT DO DEER MICE LOOK LIKE?
Deer mice are small, measuring between four and 11 inches from the tip of their nose to the end of their tail. Accordingly, they weigh between half an ounce up to just over one ounce. Their coloration is similar to that of a white-tailed deer, which is what gives them their name. While their backs are grayish-brown, their fur becomes whiter on the legs and belly. Similarly, their tail is darker on the top than it is on the underside.
WHAT DO DEER MICE EAT?
Deer mice are opportunistic eaters, but they prefer seeds and grains. They also consume insects. Other popular foods include fruit, flowers and fungi. Nuts are especially prized because of their nutritional content.
The deer mouse's omnivorous tendencies make it a very real threat to human pantries. Flour, sugar, grains, pastas and seeds are all on the menu when they are stored in human habitations. Deer mice will gnaw through all sorts of packaging to determine the contents, and they may return several times a night to eat and gather more food for storage.
WHERE DO DEER MICE LIVE?
In nature, deer mice may be found in many different habitats. Though they are most frequently found in forested areas, they also may occupy prairies, mountains and fields of crops. They are found in virtually all parts of the U.S., with the exception of the southeast. Rural and semi-rural areas are more likely to host deer mouse infestations.
Nests typically are located in hollows of trees or in stumps. Some deer mice prefer underground locations with a rock or log lying over the nest to protect and conceal it. Deer mice may build nests inside buildings. Wall cavities, attics and basements are all likely places to find a nest in houses. Deer mice commonly infest structures that are used on a seasonal basis. In these buildings, they can be bold about nesting in furniture.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY DEER MICE
Property owners may suffer significant economic loss associated with a deer mouse infestation. This is not simply because they are capable of consuming large quantities of food, but also because anything that they have gnawed on must be considered a loss. Deer mouse saliva, urine and droppings may be infected with numerous viruses and bacteria that can make humans seriously ill. Contaminated foodstuffs must be disposed of immediately.
Deer mice gnaw constantly, and they are not choosy about what they sink their teeth into. Pipes, wiring, drywall, furniture, books and other items commonly found in an around buildings all may be threatened by the presence of deer mice.
ARE DEER MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Deer mice are nocturnal by instinct. Their large eyes and ears help them to navigate the world in darkness. This behavior is what makes them so elusive for homeowners. Frequently, the first intimation that a homeowner has of the presence of deer mice is food packaging that has been gnawed by small, sharp teeth.
Deer mice tend not to wander too far from their nest. Typically, this means establishing a nest within 10 to 25 feet of a reliable food source. A family of deer mice may occupy several nests in a single year. When an existing nest becomes uninhabitable because of feces and other waste products, they establish a new one. Nests are filled with materials that act as insulation and padding. A wide variety of materials may be used, including the fur of other animals, grasses, feathers and leaves. A larder nest, which contains hoarded food items, may be established close to the nest where the family lives.
Deer mice are not aggressive towards humans by nature. When they are on the move, they typically stay close to walls and other edges. They are excellent jumpers and runners, which helps to keep them from coming into contacts with people.
DO DEER MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Deer mice are known carriers of the dangerous Hantavirus. In fact, they are the primary carriers of this illness in the U.S. Typically, Hantavirus is transmitted to people when they inhale air that is contaminated by deer mouse feces. Contact with feces, saliva or urine similarly may lead to a diagnosis. Hantavirus was first identified in 1993. More than half of the people who are infected with the virus have died. Symptoms include headaches, fever and difficulty breathing.
Deer mice also spread Lyme disease. This is a bacteria that is transmitted by the deer tick, which is frequently hosted by deer mice. Symptoms may include a rash, an illness similar to the flu and recurring arthritis.
People who suspect they have Hantavirus or Lyme disease need immediate medical attention.
HOW TO DETECT DEER MICE
Property owners may require deer mouse control services in if they observe these signs in their homes or offices:
• Gnawed food packaging • Teeth marks on walls, furniture, books, wiring and other common household items • Sounds of squeaking or rustling in walls • Deer mice droppings on shelves or floors
HOW TO PREVENT DEER MICE
People may be able to reduce the chances of a deer mouse infestation when using the following these tips:
• Seal all cracks in foundations, walls and windows to prevent rodent access • Clear overgrown shrubs, trees and plants • Store food in metal, glass or ceramic containers that cannot be gnawed through • Keep wood and brush piles away from buildings
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
