The house mouse is the most commonly encountered and economically important of the commensal rodents, the Norway and roof rats being the other two. House mice are more than a nuisance; they damage personal property by gnawing, eat and contaminate stored food, and are of human health importance as disease carriers. It is thought to be of central Asian origin, but is now of worldwide distribution and found throughout the United States.
Recognition
The house mouse adult has a head and body length of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches and a tail length of 2 3/4 to 4 inches. It weighs about 1/2 to 1 ounce, has smooth fur and is usually dust-gray, brownish to dark gray or gray above and light gray or cream colored on the belly. House mice have a pointed muzzle, small eyes, ungrooved incisors, large ears and short, broad feet. The tail is uniformly dark, scaly and semi-naked. Adult droppings are 1/8 to 1/4 inches long, rod-shaped, with pointed ends and containing small hairs (unlike American cockroach droppings which have ridges and lack hairs).
Signs of Infestation
Gnaw marks: New gnawings or holes tend to be rough; whereas, old gnawings are smooth from wear.
Droppings: Fresh droppings are dark, soft and moist, whereas old droppings are dull and hard. A house mouse′s dropping is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, rod shaped, and with pointed ends.
Tracks/footprints: The front foot is 4-toed and the hind print has 5 toes. Fresh tracks are clear and sharp; whereas, old tracks are at least partially obscured by dust.
Rub marks around passageways (from oils on hair) are usually less noticeable and smaller in size than those of rats.
Burrows: Indoors, mice often nest in various materials such as insulation. If active, burrows are free of dust and cobwebs. The entrance is usually packed with nesting material; rub marks are sometimes visible.
Runways: House mice frequently use the same paths, usually along walls, stacked merchandise, etc., and to interior objects. Active runways are fee of dust and cobwebs and are littered with fresh droppings. Tracks may or may not be visible.
Damaged goods: Seeds, nuts, cereals, granola, candy bars and bread.Mice
Rat Control