There are many different species of mice in the United States. The four most common mouse species found in the Western United States are the following:
If you see any type of mouse in your home or business, there is a good chance there are more to be found. Give us a call or send us a message to have one of our specialists come out to survey the property.
Deer mice are common along the west coast from Mexico to the Northwest territories of Canada. They may also be referred to as field mice.
What they look like
Length: 4-9 inches, including the tail
Weight: 0.38-1.25 oz.
Long bi-colored tails, covered in very short hair
Fur can be pale gray to deep red on the head and back and white on the belly
Hind feet have six pads each
Lifecycle
Gestation period is 21-24 days
Three to five mice per litter
Two to four litters per year
Lifespan of 2-24 months due to high predation
Behavior
Nocturnal creatures - come out at night to find food
Excellent climbers
Seek shelter inside during colder months
A primary carrier of the hantavirus, which leads to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome in humans
Commonly found near structures that border wooded areas
House mouse
(Mus musculus)
House mice are active all year round, which means you could find them invading your home or business at any time. A house mouse will eat and contaminate stored food, and transmit disease through droppings, urine, bites, as well as contact with cats, fleas and mites.
What they look like
Length: 5-8 inches in length, including the tail
Weight: ½-1 oz.
Fur is usually a dusty gray on top and a light gray or cream color on the stomach
Pointed muzzle and small eyes
Tails are scaly and mostly naked
Adult droppings are up to ¼ inch long and rod-shaped with pointed ends
Lifecycle
Approximately 35 days from birth to sexual maturity
Gestation period is 18-21 days
Litter size ranges from five to eight
Eight litters per year
Life expectancy is less than one year
Behavior
Usually live on the ground or in burrows, but can climb
Very inquisitive - will explore anything new or changed
Only eat small amounts of food at a time - particularly seeds and sweet liquids, but will eat almost anything
Main feeding periods are at dusk and right before dawn
Love dark, secluded places with plenty of privacy and comfort to nest in
Western harvest mouse
(Reithrodontomys megalotis)
The Western Harvest Mouse can be found along the western border of North America, from southwestern Canada through California and Arizona, down into Mexico.
What they look like
Length: 6-9 inches, including the tail (which is as long as the head and body combined)
Weight: 0.23-0.6 oz.
Fur is soft and brown in color, and lighter in color on the belly and feet
Ears are large and hairless
Incisors have a groove on the surface
Lifecycle
Gestation period is 24 days
Two to nine young per litter
Breeds throughout the year, except during deep winter
Lifespan is rarely over one year
Behavior
Primarily a nocturnal creature
Spherical nests are built on the ground or in low vegetation
Uses tunnels and runways of other small mammals
May congregate in communal nests
Eats seeds, plants, and insects
White-footed mouse
(Peromyscus leucopus)
While common in the eastern United States, the White-footed Mouse can be found in the West as well, weather-permitting. They are often found in wooded areas or places where it is warm and dry.
What they look like
Length: 5-8 inches, including the tail
Weight: 0.37-1.5 oz.
Fur ranges from grayish to reddish brown on their back and head and is white on their belly and feet
Tail is covered in short hair
Hind feet have six pads each
Lifecycle
Gestation period is 21-24 days
Two to six young per litter
Two to four litters per year
Lifespan is generally two to three years in the wild
Behavior
Nocturnal creatures
Build nests in concealed locations
Will seek warmth in homes, garages, sheds, and infrequently used vehicles
Drums the front feet when alarmed
Primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, nuts, and insects
Have a mouse in your house?
Western Exterminator specialists are trained to track down mice and other rodents around your home and property. Our specialists can determine how mice are getting in and offer solutions not only to get rid of mice already in the house, but to prevent them from returning. The key to controlling mice includes sanitation, elimination of shelter, and rodent-proofing your property. This allows the setting of control measures and monitoring for population decrease. Western Exterminator specialists are well-trained in all of the most effective house mouse control solutions.