Although they are most likely to infest residences in suburbs or the countryside, deer mice have shown that they can survive and even thrive in urban areas and commercial buildings. The problem has become so widespread throughout greater Philadelphia, that it is responsible for many service calls for pest control professionals.
The natural habitat of the deer mouse is a wild area that has a wealth of vegetation. Thick foliage and large trees give plenty of cover to these small mammals that are prey for many larger species. Homes and businesses that are surrounded by dense plants, shrubs and trees are most likely to experience problems with deer mice, but sometimes the rodents will enter a building to search for an alternative nesting site.
Any room that has a great deal of clutter or is not used very frequently by people provides excellent habitat for deer mice. If that cluttered space is dark and warm, that is all to the better. Deer mice require shelter, warmth, protection from the elements and predators and access to food to survive.
Fortunately for the deer mouse, the buildings that people occupy offer plenty of food to tempt them. The steady supply of food and the many good nesting areas indoors keep the infestation going. A mouse trap may be able to occasionally kill a mouse, but the problem is probably far too widespread to be controlled by such simple measures.
Instead, wise property owners contact a licensed pest management professional who can not only eliminate the deer mouse population but also ensure that pests can no longer get into the building. With small changes made to landscaping on the property, routine cleaning practices and upgrades to food storage, it is possible to guard the property against future infestations.
WHAT DO DEER MICE LOOK LIKE?
All deer mice have darker fur on their backs than they do on the bellies and feet. Scientists refer to this as being bi-colored, and this phenomenon also appears on the mammal's tail. Deer mice also may be identified by their soft, rounded body shape. The body typically measures between seven and ten centimeters with the tail being an additional five to 13 centimeters in length. While the eyes are dark and small, the ears are oversized to give the mouse an exceptionally sharp hearing sense.
WHAT DO DEER MICE EAT?
Berries, seeds, nuts and fruit are staple foods for deer mice living in the wild or in buildings. When these foods are not available, the deer mouse may eat insects. Caches of food may be stored for winter when supplies are scarce.
Deer mice can eat both protein and many plant-based items. Consequently, kitchens, pantries and other places where food may be stored or eaten are rich and dependable sources of nutrition. In addition to fruit and seeds, deer mice will eat pasta, rice, grains, peanut butter, vegetables, meat and pet food.
WHERE DO DEER MICE LIVE?
Deer mice are survivors, and although they are most frequently found in forested environments, they are capable of living virtually anywhere. They do particularly well when living in proximity to people because this provides them with ready and predictable sources of food, shelter and water.
Nests typically are made from collections of roots, stems, leaves and twigs. Deer mice will look for feathers, fur, cloth and even insulation when building their nest. These nests may be placed in a tree hollow or a stump, but sometimes the deer mouse simply moves into another animal's abandoned burrow.
Deer mice look for similar conditions when they nest indoors. Cabinets, closets, upholstered furniture, drawers and cardboard cartons are just a few examples of possible nesting sites. Deer mouse nests also may be found beneath large equipment or kitchen appliances or in disused vehicles.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY DEER MICE
Though individual deer mice are small, they reproduce prolifically, and this can lead to considerable destruction inside buildings. The damage may begin in the structure's exterior with deer mice gnawing on small gaps and cracks to make them larger. Once inside, the rodents look for nesting sites and sources of food and water. This quest leads them to explore with their teeth, which means that they can destroy woodwork, masonry, bricks, stonework, siding, sheetrock and much more.
Textiles and papers are shredded as well, and the frames of doors and windows may sustain significant damage. Rodent waste products are left on a variety of surfaces and items, making them unsafe to use until they have been disinfected.
ARE DEER MICE AGGRESSIVE?
Deer mice see people as predators. Consequently, they practice avoidance as much as possible. A cornered deer mouse will react by using its claws and teeth for defense. A person who is bitten or scratched by a rodent requires immediate medical attention to ensure that they do not become seriously ill.
DO DEER MICE CARRY DISEASE?
Deer mice, and rodents in general, are infamous for their propensity for spreading illness. Some of these are life-threatening, but people are perhaps most susceptible to food poisoning while an infestation is underway. Food poisoning occurs through eating food that has been contaminated by deer mouse waste products or saliva. These items also may be distributed onto surfaces on which food is prepared or eaten, causing additional exposure to food poisoning.
More serious diseases that are transmitted by deer mice include the Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This potentially lethal illness has symptoms that are similar to the flu. Prompt medical attention can prevent serious consequences.
HOW TO DETECT DEER MICE
When these signs are present, rodent control may be necessary:
• Leaving a cache of food • Hiding a nest in a place that is detectable by people • Leaving telltale grease stains on walls • Spreading an odor of urine around the building • Placing gnaw marks on many surfaces and items • Dropping feces in places where it can be seen
HOW TO PREVENT DEER MICE
People who take these steps are less likely to see rodent infestations:
• Trimming lawns shorter and keeping plants cut back • Getting rid of cracks and gaps in the building's exterior • Eliminating clutter • Selecting food containers that are rodent-proof • Keeping storage areas clean • Installing rodent-proof doors
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.
