Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

Rodents: Deer Mouse | House Mouse | Norway Rat (Brown Rat, House Rat, Wharf Rat, Sewer Rat) | Roof Rat (Black Rat, Ship Rat) | White-footed Mouse

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	White-footed Mouse	Peromyscus Leucopus (Rafinesque)	Mammalia	Rodentia	Muridae

	Size:
	Head and body measure about 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm); tail length is 2.5-4 inches (6.4-10 cm); hind foot is 7/8 in (2.2 cm) long; ears are less than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) high. Weight is 3/8 to 1-1/2 ounces.
	Characteristics:
	In general, distinctly bi-colored body; with body, tail and feet being brown above and white below. Tail is longer than half of the body but usually less than length of head and body, and is covered with short hairs or fur. Hind feet have 6 pads each.
	Color:
	Upper parts are grayish to reddish brown; belly and feet are white; tail is the same two colors. The young have gray upper parts and white bellies.
	Where Found:
	Eastern U.S. from mid-Maine south to western North Carolina, northern South Carolina, northern Georgia, and northern Alabama; west to Montana, northern Colorado, central Arizona.
	Comparison:
	The two-color pattern and hairy tail separate this genus from the House Mouse. Deer Mouse (woodland) is larger, has longer hind feet and tail; Deer Mouse (field/prairie) is smaller, has smaller hind feet and tail. Old Field Mouse is white to fawn above, white below, and tail less than half head and body. Cotton Mice are a little larger, and hind feet are larger. Brush Mice have tail equal to or longer than head and body. Cactus and White-Ankled Mice have longer hairs on last inch of tail. Pinon and Rock Mice have long ears, nearly 1 inch high.
	Habitat:
	Mostly outside but invade structures in cold weather or when they are empty. Nests in hidden places, such as old bird or squirrel nests, burrows, logs, tree stumps, buildings. Soiled nests are abandoned. Home range is 1/2 to 1-1/2 acres, with 4-12 mice per acre. Sometimes stay in nest, but in severe weather may enter homes, garages, sheds, stored vehicles.
	Food:
	They feed on seeds, nuts, fruit, beetles, caterpillers, and other insects. Their favorite foods are the centers of black cherry pits and jewel weed seeds.
	Biology:
	Nocturnal and usually active all year. A few may hibernate in northern parts of range. Females begin to breed at 10-11 weeks of age, and have 2-4 litters per year, with 2-6 young per litter. Pregnancy is about 3 weeks long. Life span is 2-3 years in the wild, 5 or more in captivity.
	Damage:
	Structural pests in rural, outbuilding, shed-type locations and in suburban homes near woods. Damage furnishings and stored food. Are carriers of Hanta virus, which is transmitted by inhalation of dust contaminated with urine and droppings of infected mice.
	Invasion:
	Openings larger than 1/8 in (3 mm) permit entry, which is more likely in cold weather.
	Control:
	When dealing with this species of rodent, care needs to be used when cleaning up old evidences of droppings or urine. They have been associated with Hanta-virus. You can consult the C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control) website on Hanta-virus. Overall, the key to rodent control involves sanitation, harborage elimination and rodent-proofing the structure. Cleaning up of spillage will enhance the chances of rodents visiting control measures. Elimination of rodent evidence will allow monitoring population control. Eliminating clutter and excess storage will allow for the setting of control measures and the monitoring for the population decrease. Exclusion is an important aspect of rodent control in structures. Most of the rodent problems are due to indigenous species finding their way into our homes or business for food or shelter. Rodents can fit through small openings due to their ability to ‘flatten’ their bodies. Ľ” inch can allow entry for mice. It is important that a thorough inspection be performed for the purpose of identifying entry points and repairing them. This is the only way to achieve long-term control in areas were this rodent is indigenous. Once entry points have been repaired, use of mechanical trapping devices is recommended. We do not recommend the use of rodenticides inside residential properties. When using any rodenticide, read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.