The house mouse is considered one of the most troublesome and economically
important pests around the world.
House mice originated in Asia but have since spread throughout the world. Along
with brown rats, they are considered to be the most widespread terrestrial
mammal other than humans.
Life span
Up to two years.
Statistics
Body length: 6.5-10cm, Weight: 12-22g.
Physical Description
House mice have brown-grey fur, with slightly lighter under-parts. They have
large ears, a pointed snout and a long tail.
Distribution
Although they are thought to be native to Asia, house mice now have an almost
worldwide distribution.
Habitat
They are typically found in areas near to human habitation and open fields.
Diet
They feed on practically everything, but prefer to eat cereals and insects.
Behaviour
House mice are nocturnal. Wild populations are poor competitors with other
rodents, and are often displaced by other species when away from human
habituation.
They are typically aggressive to each other, and fighting is common, although
females have an aggression inhibiting hormone in their urine to prevent attack
from other mice.
House mice build tunnel systems which may be a short tunnel with just one
chamber or a complex network with several exits and chambers. Some of these
chambers may contain bedding material.
During its daily activities, a mouse normally travels an
area averaging 10 to 30 feet in diameter, seldom traveling further than this to
obtain food or water. Mice constantly explore and learn about their environment,
memorizing the locations of pathways, obstacles, food and water, shelter and
other elements in their domain. They quickly detect new objects in their
environment, but they do not fear novel objects as do rats. This behavior
should be remembered if faced with a large population of mice in a residential,
industrial or agricultural setting. Proper placements of
mouse baits is a must if you are to
have a successful baiting program.
Reproduction
Females produce about 5-10 litters per year, consisting of 4-8 young. The young
are independent after 3 weeks.
Conservation status
House mice are common. They are considered to be a major pest as they spoil a
large amount of stored food and are a carrier of several diseases.
Ermones® Pest Management 
