Mice Facts

• There are several different species of mice of which some of them are deer, white-footed, and the house mouse.
• The house mouse is the most common of the species, weighing 1/2 to 1 ounce.
• The body is three to four inches long and the tail is three to four inches long as well.
• The muzzle is pointed, the ears are large, the eyes and body are small.
• Adult droppings are 1/8- to 1/4- inch long and rod-shaped with pointed ends.
• The female house mouse reaches sexual maturity in 35 days and averages eight litters per year, each of which averages six young.
• They typically produce their largesr litters in the sring, depending on climatic conditions and begin to breed at five to six weeks of age.
• There life span is one year.
• They are good climbers, jump 12 inches high, can jump down from eight feet, and can easily squeeze through holes and gaps wider than 1/4-inch.
• House mice prefer to nest in dark secluded areas where there is little chance of disturbance, and in areas where nesting materials, such as paper, cardboard, attic insulation, cotton, etc., are easily available.
• They will go no more than 20 feet for food; however, if enough food is nearby they nest within four to five feet.
• They nibble on food, preferring items such as seeds and cereals.
• The major health risk associated with house mice are salmonella contamination and leptospirosis.