HOUSE MOUSE
(Mus domesticus)
FAMILY: Rodenta
Mice live alongside people, invading their buildings and eating their food. In both town and country and are
a serious threat to public health. They will exploit the smallest of entry points to gain access to shelter,
warmth and a regular food source. They can jump, swim and climb, and prefer to move under the cover of
darkness. Good housekeeping and hygiene standards are essential to discourage such rodent activity.
Adult weight: The adult house mouse weighs 15 grams on Average, however this can vary.
Length: The length of the head & body combined is between 60-90mm, the length of the tail is usually
longer than head and body being 80-100mm.
Fur/colour: The general colour is brownish grey but Lighter shades occur.
Ears/hearing: Large with some hairs (as per images above). They have outstanding sense of hearing.
Eyes/sight: They have small eyes (as per images). However they have extremely Poor sight and are
colourblind.
Snout/smell and taste: Very Pointed snout and have Excellent sense of smell and taste.
Droppings: These can be found Scattered and are Rod shaped, they are aproximately 3-6mm long.
Habit, habitat: Sometimes burrows, Lives indoors and outdoors but is almost unknown in sewers. Nests
generally within stored materials but may burrow. They can climbs and are erratic in habit, however
Inquisitive towards new objects.
Feeding habits: Nibbles. Prefers cereals. Consumes 3 grams per day. Unlike rats, can survive with very
little water and often obtains sufficient water in food without need to drink.
Life cycle: 9-12 months is an average life span.
Sexual maturity: 8-12 weeks to reach sexual maturity and litter size is on average 5-6.
Maximum reproduction rate: A house mouse can produce up to 8 litters per year.
Control Measures: Challenge Services will be happy to provide advice and treatment for mice, and discuss
which treatment method would be suitable to your needs. Please follow these links for additional information
quotation.
CHALLENGE 24 HOUR PEST CONTROL SERVICES 0800 612 6965