Different rodent species have to be handled differently during an infestation, which means that it’s important to be able to tell them apart. In this article, we’re going to compare the house mouse to several different common species and help you identify each of them.
The house mouse
If you ever come across any type of mouse, you are likely to see a house mouse, which is the most common mouse species in the US. This species has a brown or grey coat, with small feet, big eyes and big ears. Its tail is almost hairless and the same length as the body. The tail of the house mouse is distinctive from that of other species because it is thicker and scalier. This species also has a strong distinctive smell.
Field mouse
The field mouse is another very common species in the US, but it is mostly found in agricultural infestations. Still, it may wander indoors every now and then looking for food and shelter. This mouse has a less uniform coat, with brown fur and a white or grey underbelly. It is also distinctive due to its larger back legs, which allow it to leap further.
Harvest mouse
The harvest mouse is found mostly throughout the western part of the US, and it prefers to live in the grasslands. It will build spherical nests out of grass and slightly elevated above the ground. This mouse has a short, blunt snout, and golden-brown fur with a tail that is as long as its body.
White-footed mouse
The white-footed mouse is found mostly in the eastern US states. What sets this species apart visually are the white feet, hence the name. This mouse has a diet that consists mainly of insects, grains, fruits, nuts and flowers. In terms of predators, the white-footed mouse is targeted by birds, snakes, foxes and other predatory mammals.
Dealing with a mouse infestation
Most of these species will enter the home if given the chance, because they will have access to food and a protected shelter. As such, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of an infestation and be prepared to either set up traps or place poisons when you spot a mouse. You can also call in a pest control specialist to help you out with infestations that have gotten out of hand. Contact us today if you need help with removing mice from your home.