Deer Mice

At Ozane Termite & Pest Control in Toms River, New Jersey, we often encounter deer mice, a common rodent pest in both rural and suburban areas. These small, agile creatures can find their way into homes and businesses, posing health risks and causing damage. Here's everything you need to know about deer mice and how we can help you keep them out of your home.

Identification of Deer Mice

Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are small rodents that are easily recognizable by their two-tone coloring. They have a white underbelly and legs, while their backs are typically brown or gray. Their eyes are large, and they have long, bi-colored tails—dark on top and light underneath. Deer mice are typically about 3 to 4 inches long, with a tail that can be just as long as their bodies.

Behavior and Habitat

Deer mice are primarily outdoor creatures, thriving in forests, fields, and rural areas. However, as the weather cools, they often seek warmth and shelter indoors, especially in homes, barns, sheds, and other structures. In homes, they prefer to nest in undisturbed areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

Unlike some other rodents, deer mice are nocturnal and highly active at night. They are good climbers and are capable of moving through small openings to gain access to food and shelter.

Diet

Deer mice are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and grains. In homes, they can become a problem when they invade food storage areas, contaminating pantry items with their droppings and urine. If food is not properly stored in sealed containers, deer mice will chew through packaging to access it.

Health Risks

While deer mice may seem less threatening than other rodent species, they pose serious health risks due to their potential to carry and transmit hantavirus, a potentially fatal respiratory disease. Humans can contract hantavirus through contact with deer mouse droppings, urine, or saliva, or by breathing in contaminated dust. Deer mice are also known to carry other diseases, such as Lyme disease through ticks they may harbor.

Signs of a Deer Mouse Infestation

Detecting a deer mouse infestation early is key to preventing damage and health risks. Common signs of a deer mouse infestation include:

Droppings: Deer mice leave small, rod-shaped droppings that are often found near food sources, in cupboards, or along walls.
Gnaw Marks: Like other rodents, deer mice chew on wires, insulation, and wood, leaving behind small bite marks. This can also pose a fire hazard if they gnaw through electrical wiring.
Nests: Deer mice build nests using soft materials like insulation, fabric, or paper. These nests are typically found in hidden areas like attics, wall voids, or behind appliances.
Noises at Night: Since deer mice are nocturnal, you may hear scurrying, scratching, or gnawing sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors during the night.