Deer mouse

What Do Deer Mice Look Like?

Deer mice are common in Madison, Wisconsin and are named for their deer-like coloration: they have a tawny brown back and a white underbelly, legs, and tail. They are round and slender, ranging from 5-7 inches long in total length. They have a pointed nose and large, black beady eyes. Their tail is long and bicolored, with a dark upper side and a white underside.

Deer mice can be easily confused with other rodents, such as house mice or white-footed mice. However, there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart. For example, deer mice have larger ears and eyes than house mice, and their tail can be longer than their body. White-footed mice have a similar coloration to deer mice, but their tail is shorter and uniformly dark.

What Do Deer Mice Do?

Deer mice are nocturnal rodents that are most active at twilight. They spend their days in burrows or tree nests made of plant material. They spend much of their lives on the dry forest floor collecting seeds and nest material and storing them away for winter. They can also climb trees in search of fresh buds.

Deer mice are omnivores that eat a wide variety of foods, including seeds, fruit, leafy vegetation, insects, nuts, flowers, beetles, caterpillars, carrion, and sometimes their own feces (a practice called coprophagy). They have a high metabolic rate and need to eat frequently to survive.

Deer mice are social animals that live in groups of up to 15 individuals. They communicate with each other using vocalizations, scent marking, and body language. They are territorial and will defend their home range from intruders. They can also be aggressive towards humans if they feel threatened or cornered.

How to Detect Deer Mice Activity?

Deer mice often seek indoor shelter when the weather turns cold. They can enter your home or garage through holes and gaps as small as a dime. Once inside, they will look for warm and secluded places to nest, such as attics, basements, closets, cabinets, or wall voids.

Some signs that indicate you have deer mice in your home are:

How to Prevent and Control Deer Mice Infestations?

The best way to prevent deer mice from entering your home is to seal holes and gaps in your walls, doors, windows, vents, or foundation. You should also keep your yard clean and tidy by removing clutter, trimming vegetation, and storing firewood away from your house.

Another option is to hire a professional pest control service that can inspect your home for deer mouse activity and apply the appropriate treatment methods. At Kwik Kill Pest Control we can also provide you with advice on how to prevent future infestations.

Kwik Kill Services to Control Deer Mice

Additional Resources

https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/deer-mouse/pest-notes/
https://www.esf.edu/aec/adks/mammals/deer_mouse.php
http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Peromyscus_maniculatus/