If you’ve ever had problems with mice around your home or yard, you may have wondered how to identify a field mouse vs. a house mouse. While neither is something you care to discover in your home, it’s helpful to know the difference. Once in your home, mice can damage floors and wiring, contaminate food supplies, and destroy insulation.
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Deer mouse vs. house mouse
Both house mice and field mice are pests commonly seen in homes. However, the term deer mouse can often be associated with the name field mouse. When the term field mouse is used, it can be referring to a variety of small rodents which often includes the house mouse.
Field mouse vs house mouse
There are some key points to consider when it comes to the differences between house mice and field mice. House mice tend to be gray or light brown with their entire coat a solid color. Another defining feature is that their tails appear almost completely hairless. Adversely, deer mice are tan or brown with a contrasting white underbelly, feet, and legs. Their tails follow suit as they are dark on top and light underneath.
Another notable difference between the two is their behavior when it comes to creating a food supply. A field mouse will create a store of stolen crumbs near their nest for easy access and safe-keeping. A house mouse doesn’t hoard food in the same manner but takes every opportunity to consume food when it finds it.
- Dangers of House Mice
The house mouse usually enters your home when the weather turns cooler in the fall or winter, looking for food and shelter. You probably won’t know you have a problem until you discover mouse droppings throughout your home. These rodents spread diseases such as salmonella and can also bring in mites and fleas on their fur, causing similar destruction as mentioned above.
Where Do House Mice Live?
House mice obviously prefer to be inside the comfort of your home. But once inside, they create nests in your attics, basements, crawl spaces, closets, cabinets, storage areas, and more. Keep in mind that they
strategically build their nests within 30-50 feet of a convenient food and water source.
- Dangers of Field Mice
Many people associate mouse droppings with the dreaded Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Deer mice, also referred to as field mice, are carriers of this virus that causes respiratory illness and can be fatal to humans. The virus is spread through the mouse’s urine and feces. Field mice are also considered dangerous because they can introduce other unwanted pests into your home such as ticks and fleas.
Mice are often attracted to areas where your food is either prepared or stored and often contaminate food with bacteria. Field mice have the potential to damage your home and property by chewing or gnawing through wires, flooring, furniture, and much more.
Because not all mice are carriers of this virus, it’s critical that you’re able to clearly identify what kind of mouse you’re dealing with. Not only will this aid in understanding the health risks involved, but also allows for the correct prevention and most effective pest control.
Do You Have To Leave The House For Pest Control?
Where Do Field Mice Live?
Field mice commonly live outside where they burrow and build their nests in tree stumps, fields, logs, dense brush, or tall grasses. These mice have excellent climbing abilities and will climb trees, poles, and wires to gain access to your home.
Signs of a House Mouse
Regardless of what type it is, nobody wants to stumble across the dreaded signs of a mouse in your home. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize what you’re seeing so you can hopefully stop an infestation before it starts. Here are some common signs indicating that you may have a rodent problem:
- Droppings
Mice droppings that look like chocolate sprinkles are a definite indicator of a mouse presence in your home. You’ll find them anywhere a mouse has traveled. Often discovered in your kitchen area first, you might spot them near your refrigerator or pantry wall and shelves.
- Chewing or Gnawing
House mice have a reputation for chewing through a wide variety of items. Teeth and gnaw marks may be found along edges of objects or around corners frequently traveled by the mice.
- Tunnels or Holes
Mice tend to build their nests in materials such as insulation that protects them from detection. They dig burrows or tunnels to create a safe and dark environment.
- Odor
Mice urinate frequently, marking areas to attract females or to ward off males. You will start to notice a distinct odor where a large mouse population has gathered and been present for an extended amount of time.
- Sounds
When your house is quiet at night you may hear the subtle sounds of scratching, chewing or scurrying feet within your walls or ceiling. If you come across any or all of these signs, accept the fact you have a rodent problem and take the appropriate action.
How to Prevent Mice in the House
Depending on where you live, preventing mice from getting inside your home can be a difficult task. However, there are some things you can do to keep them at bay.
- Seal all cracks or holes in your foundation, exterior walls, or around where utilities enter your home
- Trim tree branches from hanging onto your roof where mice can have easy access to your attic
- Routinely inspect your home roofline for gaps or holes
- Make sure your chimney has a tight-fitting cap on it
- Keep lids on your outside trash cans
- Store all pet food or seed in sealed containers
- Don’t leave food out for your pets overnight as it attracts rodents
Conclusion on Field Mouse vs House Mouse
A mice infestation is not an easy or quick problem to resolve on your own. The best way to get rid of unwanted rodents in your home is to contact a professional pest control company. At Vinx Pest Control, our professionals will perform a thorough inspection, then create a personalized plan for your situation.
Our technicians have years of experience in knowing what methods and products are most effective when it comes to mice exclusion. We have locations in Dallas TX, Sulphur Springs TX, Greenville SC, and Charleston SC. Contact us for your free estimate today!