Here in Northern Colorado there are a few different types of rodents that residents will run into more often than other rodents. Mice and rats both fall into the category or rodents that you may see at some point. The most common types of mice and rats that you will see are house mice, deer mice, and the Norway rat. All three of these types of rodents are unique. Today Effective Pest Services is going to highlight the deer mouse.
What Does a Deer Mouse Look Like?
The scientific name for the deer mouse is Peromyscus maniculatus. They are one of the 1,500 rodent species that live on the earth. Deer mice are brown with white feet and a white underbelly. They have four legs and a tail. Typically they range from 5 to 8 inches in length. They have a pointed nose and large, black beady eyes. They have large ears that have some fur on them. Their tails are rather short; are light on bottom and dark on top; and are covered with short, fine hairs.
Where Do Deer Mice Live & Hide?
Deer mice like to nest in sheltered outdoor areas. Most of the time they will try and build their nests underground if possible. They do also build above ground if there are not underground options available. You can frequently find them in hollow tree logs, piles of debris, piles or rocks or firewood, and pastures. In the winter deer mice will start to look for warmer places to live. If they come into your home they will typically stick to attics, basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
What Do Deer Mice Eat?
There are a variety of foods that deer mice will eat. They are primarily herbivorous. Their favorite foods are nuts, seeds, small fruit, and berries. In addition they will eat some insects if the other options are not available. They prefer to eat at dusk and dawn. You will not see them eating during the day very often. Deer mice hoard food supplies during the warmer months of the year so that they will have food to eat during the winter months.
How Many Babies Does a Deer Mouse Have?
The average life of a deer mice is two years. If they live in captivity they can live up to eight years. They reach sexual maturity at about eight weeks old. Deer mice reproduce quickly when compared to other rodents and insects. They will produce two to four litters a year. Each litter normally contains three to five mice. Their litters are normally born in the warmer months of the year.
Mouse & Rat Rodent Pest Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal & More in Wellington, Fort Collins, Timnath, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder, Johnstown, Berthoud, Estes Park & Loveland, CO | Northern Colorado
People will see mice droppings, gnawed objects, and nests if deer mice are on your property. If you believe that you have deer mice on your property you will want to take care of them immediately. Deer mice are carriers of different illnesses that can cause harm to you and your family. It can be harder than you think to get rid of an infestation on your own. You will want to call Effective Pest Services to help you get rid of any mice that you may have.
