Rodent Identification and Information - Deer Mouse

11/17/2021 Newsletter:

You may see this little visitor more in the fall and winter than any other time of year.  The Deer Mouse is the most abundant and widespread mammal in the United States.  Even though it is a mouse, it is not what we call a commensal rodent like the House Mouse or Norway Rat.  It rarely infests occupied structures.  In fact, it really does not do well inside.  You are not likely to see it infesting a kitchen, restaurant, or other similar facilities like you would commensal rodents.  They will enter your home or business occasionally but will not generally stay more than a day or two. 

Instead, you are much more likely to encounter this rodent in sheds, unheated out buildings, barns, junk yards, wood piles, garages, and the like, and more likely in the fall or winter.  They are primarily seed eaters but will also eat insects, snails, and even carrion.  As fall and winter approach, these food resources become a little harder to get which can draw them toward your sheds and outbuildings.  If you do encounter these rodents in your shed for example, they are likely eating grass seed or bird seed you may have stored there.   Best practice for controlling these mice is exclusion and reducing the resources (food) stored in your sheds or outbuildings.

Caution – While these rodents may pose little risk of infestation, they are known carriers of  Hantavirus.  Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rare but deadly viral infection. It is spread by Deer Mice. They shed the virus in their urine, droppings, and saliva. Tiny droplets with the virus can enter the air. People can get the disease if they breathe infected air.  When cleaning up after these rodents, never vacuum or sweep up the droppings.  This can aerosolize the infected particles which can cause infection when breathed in.  Instead, spray the material with a disinfectant and wipe up with a towel.  Gloves, respirator, and eye protection should be worn during the cleanup process.