| Deer Mice |
 |
 |
 Deer mice are the prototype for "field mice" with large, bulging eyes, big ears, a bicolored pattern and a long tail. They are part of the family of mice that includes deer mice, harvest mice, grasshopper mice, woodrats, and cotton rats.The deer mouse coloration is described as "bicolored", meaning it has a distinctly darker upper body coloration compared to the white undersides. The body color varies from a yellowish or reddish brown to grayish above, with pure white undersides and feet. The bicolored body and distinctive large ears distinguish the deer mouse from the introduced house mouse (Mus musculus), which is uniformly gray. The house mouse is found in city and urban areas while the deer mouse prefers natural habitats. You can get either where development pushes against undeveloped lands. Range and Habitat Deer mice are commonly found in California and Mexico. Throughout their range, they are found in nearly all ecological communities and life zones from the desert floor to the high mountains. They can be highly abundant, numbering as many as ten per acre. Properly getting rid of mice is best left to professionals such as Adios Pest Control. Natural History Deer mice breed during the spring, and fall, and to some extent midsummer. Females can have up to four litters per year with an average of three to six young per litter. The gestation period is from 22 to 25 days long. Deer mice do not burrow but build their nest from grasses in protected areas above ground beneath debris, in tree cavities, in rotting logs, or in abandoned burrows. Because of their abundance, deer mice are a major food source for almost every bird and mammal predator. When the predators are reduced or absent as happens often in areas where new housing abuts fields and woods, the mice can become pests. Concerns In the San Diego region, deer mice may be carriers of Hantavirus. When present, this virus is spread through the rodent's urine and feces. Although the mice do not become ill from the virus, humans can become infected when they are exposed to contaminated dust from the nests or droppings. We are advised not to camp or sleep where mouse droppings are abundant, and to clean indoor areas where they live using appropriate precautions. Call Adios Pest Control to arrange for one of our San Diego pest control experts to come help you with your rodent control. |
Share this:
