MOUSE INFORMATION & FACTS

Mice are well known as being a general pest across North America. In Canada, the most common mice pests are the house mouse (Mus musculus) and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus).

Mice are nocturnal, eat multiple times a day and are omnivorous. They eat nuts, seeds, fruits and insects. They reproduce quickly as baby mice mature to adults at accelerated speed.

Mice are a concern because they are carriers of disease and can damage property. The deer mouse is the most common carrier of the deadly Hantavirus.

While most mice species prefer forested areas, they often take refuge and invade building, homes, warehouses, factories, barns and even dog houses. They often invade buildings near fields and woodlands in the Fall. When they do invade homes and buildings, food contamination and property damage are often caused by their foraging, burrowing, chewing and biting tendencies. Mice will consume human food (prepared or waste) and often chew through plastics, books and drywall. Mouse droppings and urine pose serious health threats to humans as they contaminate the surfaces in living areas they come in contact with.

Scampering and scratching sounds in the walls of your home at night, signs of gnawing or chewing, or damaged food packages can mean you have an infestation of mice or rats. Other signs include droppings and urine, burrows or holes in and around foundation walls, or tracks on dusty surfaces.

If you have mice, it's best tackle the problem right away to avoid a severe mouse infestation. Learn more about how to get rid of mice.