Deer Mice
What do deer mice look like?
Adult deer mice are slightly larger than house mice. They have a head and body length of 2-3/4 to 4 inches, a tail length of 2 to 5 inches, and weigh between 3/8 and 1-1/4 ounce. Deer mice are bi-colored. The top of their body is pale gray to deep reddish-brown, and their belly is white. The tail is covered in short hairs, and is always dark on top and light on the bottom. Young deer mice are similar to adults, but their bodies are lighter gray.
Where are deer mice found?
Deer mice are typically found living outside, and rarely invade homes. Deer mice are more common in communities that border a field, park, or golf course, and in homes that are located in rural areas. Outside, these mice nest inside tree cavities, logs, burrows that have been abandoned by other animals, in fence posts, or in the ground. If these mice do find their way inside a Quad City home or other structure, they are typically found in attics, basements, crawlspaces, garages, sheds, and vehicles. They are more likely to invade buildings in the cold weather months.
What do deer mice eat?
Deer mice are mostly herbivores, but eat a very varied diet. They feed at dusk and dawn on things like seeds, nuts, berries, small fruits, subterranean fungus (Endogone), and the occasional insect.
DIY deer mouse prevention and control tips
Deer mice will invade homes during colder months making it important to put in place measures to help protect your home, and prevent them from being able to enter. The most important step to take is to seal any openings, cracks, or crevices found in the exterior of your home that are larger than the diameter of a pencil. Seal cracks in the foundation, caulk gaps around windows and doors, and make sure that holes in your home’s roofline are repaired. Trim back trees and bushes from the exterior of your home, and make sure that outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids on them to ensure that the garbage stays contained inside.
Professional deer mouse control
If deer mice or other types of rodents have infested your property, Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators can help. Our pest control company offers residential and commercial service offerings that target these nuisance and destructive pests. For more information, contact us today!
