Common mouse species
Identification is the first step to solving a pest problem in your home or business. Mice and rats sometimes look similar, so it is important to recognize what species of rodent you are dealing with.
The house mouse is the most common species in Canada, however, there are many different types of mice present in Canada. Learn more about other mouse species below and for help with a mouse issue, contact us online today.
Deer mouse
(Peromyscus spp)
Deer mice are pests that prefer to live in wooded areas. They will, however, venture into homes, sheds and outbuildings located in or around wooded areas. They can be destructive to wood structures and are one of the leading carriers of the hantavirus, as well as lyme disease.
Appearance
- Size: 120 mm - 205 mm in length from nose to tail
- Weight: 15-32 g
- Body: Pale greyish, buff coloring to reddish-brown on top and side. White fur on the belly.
- Tail is usually bi-coloured and is very long, longer than half the length of the body, and covered with short hair.
Lifecycle and habits of the deer mouse
Lifecycle
- Life span of 2-14 months, up to 5-8 years in captivity
- Gestation period of about 21-24 days
- 3-5 young per litter; 2-4 litters per year
- 7-8 weeks from birth to sexual maturity
Habits
- Usually nocturnal, coming out at night to find food
- Diet of plants, seeds, fruits, flowers and nuts as well as small invertebrates such as insects
- Live in pasturelands and open grasslands.
- Excellent climbers and will be found in even upper levels of structures like in attics and upper floors.
- Nesting areas on properties include: under fence posts, inside tree hollows, in old bird or squirrel nests, as well as under decks, barns and outbuildings.
- Will seek shelter inside and enter buildings during colder months
House mouse
(Mus musculus)
House mice are active all year round, which means you could find them invading your home or business at any time.
Appearance
- Size: 127 - 206 mm in length from nose to tail
- Weight: 12 – 30 g
- Fur ranges from light brown to black (most commonly gray) with white or buffy bellies.
- Relatively small feet and head with large eyes and ears, distinguishing them from a young brown rat.
Lifecycle and habits of the house mouse
Lifecycle
- Life span of 9-12 months; 2-3 years in captivity.
- 4-16 young per litter; 7-8 litters a year
- Gestation period of about 3 weeks
- 8-12 weeks from birth to sexual maturity
Habits
- Usually ground living and burrowing, but often climbs.
- Diet of insects, fruits, nuts, seeds, and food prepared or discarded by humans.
- Will eat around 3 g of food a day and can survive without any additional water. They will drink up to 3 ml a day if their diet is particularly dry.
White-footed mouse
(Peromyscus leucopus)
The white-footed mouse is similar in appearance to the deer mouse and can be found in parts of southern Canada. This species has been known to play a role in the transmission of Lyme disease. While their habitat is preferably forests and brushlands, they have been found to invade homes and commercial properties during colder months.
Appearance
- Size: 130 -205mm in length from nose to tail.
- Feet and upper belly are white.
- Upperparts of their body are grayish to reddish-brown and the tail is the same two colours.
Lifecycle and habits of the white-footed mouse
Lifecycle
- Lifespan is 12-24 months; up to years in captivity
- 2-3 young per litter; 2-4 litters per litter.
- Gestation period of 28 days
- 44 days from birth to sexual maturity
Habits
- Primarily nocturnal.
- Solitary and territorial in nature.
- Diet of seeds, berries, nuts, insects, grains, fruits, and fungi.
- Found near forests and brushlands. Can also be found in suburban and agricultural settings.