The most communal of the rodent family is the House Mouse, scientific name Mus musculus –Linnaeus. House mice gained their names simply from the fact that they are commonly found in homes or anywhere that is in close proximity to where humans frequent. House mouse can be identified by their grey color and are small, usually weight ½ – 1 ounce. The body and tail average the same length of 3-4 inches respectively. House mice have an average life span of one year and produce rapidly. A female mouse reaches sexual maturity around at around 35 days and produces an average 8 litters per year with each litter bearing approximately 6 mice. House Mice nest in dark, undisturbed areas that provide warmth and comfort-ability; they are known to take up residence in areas that contain some type of insulation, paper or cardboard.
House mice are agile and can squeeze through tiny spaces which would make it difficult to simply catch one if you happen to see it. Since mice make a home anywhere that provides food, warmth and a space as shelter; a disruption in one or all of these circumstances can reduce the mice population in your home. Take the following precautions to ensure you are occupying a rodent free home or office.
- Seal any entry hole that measure ¼ inch or more; holes can be plugged with steel wool and sealed off.
- Set baited and unbated traps near heavy traffic areas that mice may frequent.
- Set rodenticides that come in block form or in packets (away from the reach of house pets and small children).
- Maintain a clean environment and ensure that no food is left out in the open to provide easy access to mice.