The Deer Mouse
These rural, nature-loving deer mice rarely will invade your home but can be a major nuisance in agricultural areas, sheds, outbuildings, and even vacation homes. These mice might look cute and cuddly, but if you notice an infestation you must act quickly, as they can carry nasty diseases such as Hantavirus.
HOW TO IDENTIFY DEER MICE
Deer mice are small, only growing to around eight inches in size. They are found throughout the United States and have a rotund shape atop four legs. They are usually brown with white feet and a white underbelly. These mice look similar to house mice and white-footed mice, except for the crucial difference that deer mice rarely enter homes. They are usually found in rural locations and will only venture indoors during the cooler months, preferring locations such as garages and sheds.
Appearance, Behavior, and Signs
Deer Mouse
Deer mice feed at dusk and dawn, so you are more likely to see them during these times. They eat just about anything, including nuts, seeds, insects, and fruit. They tend to nest in sheltered areas, such as beneath hollow logs or piles of debris. However, they often come inside during the cold winter months to seek shelter inside attics and basements. They can also build their nests in abandoned locations such as drawers, wall voids, and even old storage boxes or furniture.
These mice breed during the spring and summer, and build their nests in cavities near the roots of trees, beneath logs, or in tunnels built by other creatures. They reach sexual maturity in only eight weeks, with female mice producing up to four litters of five individuals a year–and often more than that! Deer mice can also nest above ground in places such as woodpiles or old bird nests. Deer mice are nocturnal and are most likely to be spotted during dawn, dusk, or at night as they forage for food and water. They typically live up to two years but can live longer in ideal conditions.