The house mouse is one of the most bothersome rodents in the United States. House mice flourish under a mixture of conditions; they are found inside and around homes and commercial buildings, storage sheds and pastures. They also eat and contaminate food with their urine and droppings, which sometimes transmits salmonellosis, a disease associated with food poisoning. 

IDENTIFICATION
House mice are small animals with relatively large ears and small black eyes. They weigh about 1/2 ounce and usually are light brownish to gray in color. An adult is about 5 to 7 1/2 inches long.

Droppings, gnaw marks, and tracks indicate areas where mice are active. Mouse nests are made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material. House mice have a musky odor that identifies their presence. Mice are active mostly at night, but they can be seen sometimes during the day.

BIOLOGY
Mice usually prefer to eat cereal/grains; they will sample many different foods. They are brilliant climbers and can run up most perpendicular surfaces. They will run across wire cables or ropes and can jump up to 1 foot from the floor. Mice can squeeze through openings slightly larger than 1/4 inch in size. House mice regularly find their way into dwellings in the fall of the year, especially when temperatures become colder outside.

In a single year, a female may have 6 to 10 litters, 3 mice per litter. Young are born 19 to 21 days after mating, and they reach reproductive maturity in 6 to 10 weeks. The life span of a mouse is typically one year, but varies according to strain and environment.

CONTROL
A key to successful mouse control is the elimination shelter and of food sources. Trapping works well including baiting systems. Removal of mice should be followed by taking steps to restrict them so the problem does not persist.