Deer Mice Deer mice are destructive and carry disease.
ABOUT THE DEER MOUSE
Deer mice are part of a tiny, resilient species commonly found throughout the Bensalem area.Although they are capable of surviving in the wild without ever being in contact with people, many deer mice find it easier and more convenient to establish themselves in the places where people live and work.
Once they find an opening to access a home or office, they look for food and build a nest. Reproduction is rapid. Deer mice attain sexual maturity at only 35 days old, and males are known to mate with several females. A litter may include between one and 11 babies. These litters may be produced every three to four weeks.
This can be devastating to any Bensalem home or office and can represent a health hazard to the people who live and work in these places. Deer mice are known to carry numerous diseases that they can transmit to people and pets. Some of these diseases may be life-threatening.
Accordingly, it is advisable for anyone who suspects that their property has a deer mouse infestation to contact a professional exterminator without delay.
APPEARANCE
Deer mice are quite small with full-grown adults measuring between 2.8 and 3.9 inches. Their tails add an additional two to five inches to their overall length. Typical weights for adults range from 0.6 to 1.2 ounces. The deer mouse gets its name from the color of its fur, which is gray or brown and closely resembles the hair on a deer. Their fur is short and dense and may display a reddish tint. On their bellies, the fur is white, which is one of the reasons why this species often is confused with the white-footed mouse.
DIET
One of the reasons that deer mice are so successful as a species is because they are capable of surviving on a wide variety of foods. Their natural inclination is toward food items like grains, seeds and nuts. However, deer mice are known to regularly consume an array of plants and flowers as well as fruits and vegetables. Protein may be obtained by eating arthropods and insects.
With their near-omnivorous eating habits, deer mice are attracted to just about all human foods. In addition to seeds, nuts, grain, bread, cereal, fruit and vegetables, these pests also may eat rice, cookies, crackers and just about anything that they can access by chewing through the packaging.
HABITATS
Deer mice may be found in a wide variety of climates, and can thrive particularly well. Nonetheless, cold, snowy weather is likely to drive them to seek shelter in homes and offices.
In their natural habitat, deer mice populations are likely to congregate in areas like prairies or forests. Farmers frequently have problems with deer mice that live in their crops. The deer mouse is quite adaptable and able to live in virtually any conditions as long as food is available and they have a safe, hidden place to nest. Frequently chosen nesting sites include hollow trees and underground burrows.
Human habitations provide countless places in which deer mice may nest. Wall and ceiling voids are common sites for a nest, but these pests also may choose the back of a drawer or cupboard, especially if they are not used often by people. The empty spaces beneath kitchen appliances afford plenty of cover, darkness and warmth. Other likely nesting spots are found in upholstered furniture, garages and abandoned cars.
PROBLEMS WITH DEER MICE
Gardeners and people who raise produce at home are particularly concerned with deer mice because of their enormous appetite for seeds. Moreover, anyone who has a fruit tree in their yard is almost certain to be plagued by deer mice seeking a meal.
When the infestation is advanced, then the deer mouse population can have an enormous appetite. The constant search for food can devastate pantries and cupboards, leaving behind a mess and remaining food that must be thrown away.
All members of the rodent species are known for their habit of constant gnawing, and deer mice are no exception. Materials such as towels, sheets, clothing, upholstery and paper products may be destroyed. Deer mice are known to chew through construction items like siding, sheetrock and shingles. Even electrical wiring and pipes for plumbing and irrigation may be damaged by rodent teeth.
BEHAVIOR
The largely nocturnal deer mouse rarely encounters people until their population becomes untenably large. By instinct, deer mice are shy of people and a wide array of predators, causing them to move quickly and cautiously. If possible, they prefer to move around under cover where they are less likely to be seen. With their ability to squeeze into quite small spaces, it is easy for deer mice to get into just about anything. Plus, they have been known to show aggression, especially when people get too close to the deer mouse nest.
HEALTH ISSUES
Deer mice not only are destructive but also they transmit numerous serious illnesses. This is the primary reason people must seek a professional exterminator if they suspect an infestation. Hantavirus and food poisoning are two of the more common illnesses associated with deer mice. Additionally, these pests may be infested with vermin that may spread other sicknesses.
SIGNS OF A DEER MOUSE INFESTATION
Indications of a deer mouse presence include:
-Food packaging that has holes from gnawing -Rustling and squeaking sounds behind walls -Rodent droppings on floors and counters or in drawers -Rodent nests found inside a building
PREVENTION TIPS
To help avoid deer mouse issues the following precautions should be taken:
-Immediately repair plumbing and irrigation leaks -Store food in metal or glass containers -Promptly wipe up spills and crumbs -Eliminate clutter from interiors and exteriors -Regularly trim trees, plants, shrubs and lawns -Keep well-maintained screens on windows and doors -Locate and seal up all cracks and holes in building exteriors
DEER MOUSE CONTROL
Determining the difference between a mouse and a rat is a homeowner’s main dilemma where extermination is concerned. That is because species identification can play a crucial role in successfully eliminating a rodent problem.
Additionally, the impulse to simply set a couple of mouse traps is common when mice are seen by property owners. Unfortunately, this course of action is not effective in the event of an infestation. Traps alone may be able to eliminate a few individuals, but large numbers of mice typically require the services of a rodent control professional.
A licensed rodent exterminator has a variety of techniques to end the infestation. This will include methods of excluding rodents from re-entering the building as well as traps and chemical control. With all of these precautions, it is possible to return a home or office to a safe and hygienic state.
If you suspect a rodent control issue, call the professional team of licensed exterminators at SafeGuard Pest Control, LLC today. We can determine if you have a mouse or rat problem in your Bensalem home or office, and then proceed to implementing the best, most effective treatments.
