Pest Control Services
House Mouse (Mus musculus) Details
House Mouse
Fast Facts
| Diet: | Carnivore/Herbivore |
| Avg Life Span: | 2 Years |
| Size: | (nose to base of tail) of 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) tail length of 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) |
| Weight: | 1/2 Pound |
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a small rodent, a mouse, one of the most numerous species of the genus Mus.
As a wild animal the house mouse mainly lives associated with humans, causing damage to crops and stored food.
The house mouse has been domesticated as the pet or fancy mouse, and as the laboratory mouse which is one of the most important model organisms in biology and medicine. It is by far the most commonly used genetically altered laboratory mammal.
House mice have an adult body length (nose to base of tail) of 7.5–10 cm (3.0–3.9 in) and a tail length of 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in). The weight is typically 10–25 g (0.4–0.9 oz). They vary in color from white to gray, and light brown to black. They have short hair and a light belly. The ears and tail have little hair. The hind feet are short compared to Apodemus mice, only 15–19 mm (0.59–0.75 in) long; the normal gait is a run with a stride of about 4.5 cm (1.8 in), though they can jump vertically up to 45 cm (18 in). The droppings are blackish, about 3 mm (0.12 in) long,[citation needed] and have a strong musty smell. The voice is a high-pitched squeak.
House mice thrive under a variety of conditions: they are found in and around homes and commercial structures as well as in open fields and agricultural lands. House mice consume and contaminate food, pet food and animal feed. In addition, they often cause considerable agricultural and property damage. They also transmit disease-causing pathogens and parasites.
Not the Pest Your looking for?
Look at other pictures of common pests and descriptions we have by clicking here.
Please keep in mind these are just the most common pest we deal with on a regular basis. There are many, many other pests we can deal with that are not in our database. Just call us and we can help.