What is a deer mouse?

A deer mouse is a small rodent, recognized by its distinctive coloration and physical features. It typically has a bi-coloured appearance, with a brown or greyish-brown back and a white belly and feet, reminiscent of the colouring of a deer, which contributes to its name. Deer mice have large, black eyes and big ears relative to their head size, giving them a characteristic alert and delicate appearance. They possess a pointed snout and long whiskers, aiding their sensory navigation. One of the most distinctive features of the deer mouse is its tail, which is usually long, sometimes as long as the body, and bi-coloured—dark on top and white underneath. Adult deer mice can range in body length from 7 to 10 cm (2.8 to 3.9 inches), with the tail adding 5 to 13 cm (2 to 5 inches) in length.

Yes, mice are great climbers, and they are able to climb walls, pipes, and other vertical surfaces with ease. They have strong claws and can grip small ledges and rough surfaces. Mice are also very agile, so they can quickly scramble up walls and jump from one surface to another.

The first indications of mice may be seeing droppings, hearing noises, or finding nibbled food packaging. Please contact Birch Fumigators if you think you have mice in your home so we can send a certified expert to inspect your home.

The diet of a deer mouse is diverse and omnivorous, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of environments and food availability. Primarily, deer mice consume seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, which constitute the bulk of their diet. This varied diet helps them survive in different habitats, from forests to grasslands and even urban areas. In the warmer months, they preferentially feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, providing them with high protein content necessary for their reproductive cycles and the growth of young. As seasons change and the availability of insects declines, deer mice shift their diet to include more plant-based foods such as seeds, grains, and nuts. They are known to hoard food in their nests or burrows, particularly in preparation for winter, ensuring their survival when foraging becomes more challenging. Deer mice also consume small amounts of vegetation and fungi, further diversifying their diet.

In the wild, deer mice typically have a short lifespan, often less than a year, due to predation and environmental pressures. However, in protected environments or in the absence of significant predators, they can live up to two years. Their prolific breeding habits balance the high mortality rate of deer mice in natural settings. They can reproduce multiple times a year, with females capable of giving birth to several litters annually, each containing up to six offspring. This rapid reproductive rate ensures the continuation of the deer mouse population despite the high predation risks and other survival challenges they face in their habitats. In captivity, deer mice may live longer under optimal conditions due to the lack of predators and the provision of consistent food and water sources, providing insight into their potential lifespan without environmental stressors.

Yes, mice can have rabies. However, it is very rare for them to transmit the disease to humans. Rabies is a viral disease that primarily affects mammals, including mice. It is primarily spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, as the virus is present in their saliva. In the case of mice, their small size and lack of aggressive behaviour make it unlikely that they will transmit rabies to humans. However, it is still possible, so if you have been bitten or scratched by a mouse, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, it is a good idea to avoid handling wild mice, as they may be carrying other diseases that can be harmful to humans.