 The typical house mouse is a small and slender with a hairless tail. Native to central Asia, this species arrived in North America along with settlers from Europe and other points of origin.
A very adaptable species, the house mouse often lives in close association with humans and therefore is termed one of the "commensal" rodents along with Norway and roof rats. House mice live in and around homes, farms, commercial establishments, as well as in open fields and agricultural lands.
The onset of cold weather each fall in temperate regions is said to cause mice to move into structures in search of shelter and
food. Mice eat all types of food and sometimes prefer foods high in protein, fat and sugar. House mice are mainly nocturnal, although at some locations considerable daytime activity may be seen.
Mice have poor eyesight, relying heavily on taste, smell and touch. Mice may breed year-round and a female may have 5 to 10 litters per year; mouse populations can grow rapidly under good conditions.
Mice can eat through wood, soft metal and electric cable insulation, creating the risk of fires. They can carry and transmit diseases such as Salmonella, which causes food poisoning and Weils disease. They present a danger in any building. |
