Throughout the State of Colorado you can find many homes that are battling a rodent invasion. Come the fall season, rodents will begin invading homes in search of a stable and warm place to reside during the cold winter season. One common invader is the Deer Mouse. Deer mice are found in many areas throughout America, including in Colorado. Effective Pest Services will help homeowners identify and control deer mice in an effort to keep them out of your home.
Deer Mice are Bigger than House Mice But Still Very Small
They are one of the smallest mice species. They reach a maximum length of 4 inches long. The deer mouse has a very long and pointed nose with a large pair of ears and black eyes. The deer mouse received its name from is fur color and pattern. Much like a deer, the deer mouse has a light brown fur with a white underbelly and legs. Where some rodent species won’t have fur on their tail or ears, the deer mouse is fully covered in fur, even if the fur become fine around the ear and tails.
Where are Deer Mice Usually Found?
During spring and summer deer mice will mostly stay outdoors, living in fields and areas with higher vegetation. Deer mice will feed on nuts, seeds, grain, fruits, and small insects. When the seasons change, food can become more difficult to find, which is why deer mice will leave the field in search of more suitable living environments. Deer mice will invade barns, sheds, garages, and of course, homes and other human domains. Most rodents, including deer mice, often favor invading attic spaces due to attic insulation and since in most cases, the attic is left undisturbed.
Deer Mice are Harmful
When deer mice invade a home they can begin contaminating food, especially pantry goods. Additionally, deer mice will chew on electrical wiring, plumbing and chew small holes in the wall. Most importantly, these rodents can carry diseases. Deer mice are one of the primary rodent species that carry Hantavirus, which can be transmitted through the rodents waste. If you come across rodent droppings, be careful when cleaning it up. The virus can become airborne, which is why when cleaning rodent feces you should always use a vacuum cleaner and disinfect the area with bleach. Deer mice also harbor parasites which can also transmit diseases that the mouse may be carrying.
How Do You Know if You have Deer Mice?
Signs that your home may be under invasion is the siting of rodent droppings, gnaw marks around walls, electrical wiring, plumbing or on food or packaging. You may even discover deer mice nesting sites or see deer mice directly. Deer mice will collect food. You will often see their nesting sites filled with small piles of horded food. A deer mouse can have up to 4 litters per year, with the average deer mouse living between 2 to 8 years. They reproduce quickly and can become a major problem within a single season.
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When controlling deer mice it is recommended you seek professional assistance. A professional pest control service can place traps and bait and inspect the home. They’ll look for the rodent’s preferred highways and place traps where they will be most effective. If you need help controlling pests around your home, contact Effective Pest Services today.
