Call

The Differences Between House Mice And Deer Mice

For most people, it’s very hard to tell the difference between a house mouse and a deer mouse. However, if you can tell the two apart, you will be better equipped when dealing with an infestation, because they behave differently and infest different areas of a property. In this article, we’re going to go over these differences and help you identify whether you have a house mouse or a deer mouse infestation.

Coloration

The first and most noticeable difference between these two species is their coloration. If you are able to catch a good glimpse of the rodent, you will be able to tell that you are dealing with a house mouse if it has a brown or gray fur, with no other colors on its body. A deer mouse will have a two-tone coloration, with the back and head being a darker gray or brown, and the underbelly being either white or tan.

Tails

You can also tell the two apart by their tails. The house mouse has a hairy tail of the same coloration as the fur. The tail will also have the same length as the body. A deer mouse on the other hand will have a shorter, hairless tail, that will have the same two-toned coloration pattern as its body.

Habitats

Another major difference between deer mice and house mice is found in the habitats that they prefer. House mice prefer to live near humans, and they especially like to make their way indoors. They are also perhaps the only mouse species that can make it in urban areas. Deer mice are wilder, preferring to live in parks and forests. Deer mouse indoor infestations are rarer, but they may set up in your yard, garden, or farm.

Dealing with an infestation

The reason it’s important to be able to tell the two species apart is that it will influence how you react to the mice. If you notice a house mouse outdoors, odds are that it will eventually set up a nest indoors. On the flip side, if there is a deer mouse indoors, it might leave the home without setting up a nest inside. So in the first situation, you should get in touch with a pest control pro to enact some preventive and control measures, while in the second situation, you can wait a few days before calling over a pro. Contact us today if you need help to deal with a mouse infestation.

Tags: , , ,

Contact Us for a Free Consultation and get more information

Contact Us Now

Reviews

Our great reviews and why you should choose us

Reviews
Shield

J & J Exterminating, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters
105 S College Rd
Lafayette, La 70503
Phone : (337) 234-2847
Email Customer Service

J&J Exterminating, Inc.