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Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner)

Deer Mouse

Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner)

The deer mouse takes refuge from the cold winter months in your garage, shed, and even inside your home. They are the primary carriers of Hantavirus, a potentially deadly disease transmitted by the inhalation of dust that is contaminated with urine or droppings. They take shelter in your storage boxes and upholstered furniture, leaving their waste behind and posing a serious health threat to you and your family.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
Deer Mouse
  • Look for mice in furniture, basement, walls, and insulation.
  • Check for gnaw marks.
  • Watch out for droppings.
  • De-clutter your home to prevent mice from nesting there.
  • Examine cracks or holes in your home, as they can serve as entranceways for mice.
Class: Order: Family:
Mammalia Rodentia Muridae
Size: Deer mouse adult's head+body length is 2.75-4 in (7-10 cm ); tail length is about 2-5 in (5-13 cm ); weight is about 1 ounce (10-35 g).
Color: The deer mouse is bicolored, pale gray/buff to deep red/brown above, and white below.
Characteristics: Tail is longer than half of head+body length, sharply bicolored, and covered with short hairs or fur. Hind feet have six pads each.
Geographic Range: Western U.S. from Mexico to so. Yukon and Northwest territories of Canada; eastern U.S. from Hudson Bay to Pennsylvania, so. Appalachians, c. Arkansas and c. Texas.
Food: Deer mice eat insects, seeds, nuts, berries, fruits, underground fungus. Food is stored in protected places for winter use.
Biology: Litters have about 3-5 young. With a gestation period of 21-24 days, females have 2-4 litters per year, mostly in the spring. They begin breeding at 5-6 weeks of age.
Deer Mouse

Prevention Tips For Vertebrate Pests

  1. Caulk and seal any holes or cracks that could be used as entry points
  2. Put copper mesh over any large holes that could be used as entry points
  3. Keep doors and windows closed and properly screened to prevent accidental entry
  4. Remove clutter in and around home
  5. Clean up spills immediately
  6. Keep food in a seal-tight container
  7. Keep grass cut short
  8. Keep shrubs and plants properly spaced away from exterior of home
  9. Seal all holes in and around plumbing/piping
  10. Remove ivy from exterior walls as it allows entry to upper floors/roof