Deer Mouse Identification & Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions About Deer Mice

What are deer mice?

The deer mouse, or white-footed mouse, is a small, agile species of rodent living throughout the United States. Their large back feet and bi-colored tails (dark on top, light on the bottom) help to identify these mice. 

Dark reddish-brown fur covers the top of their bodies, and the fur on their underside, legs, and feet is white. Like deer, these mice are known for their ability to run quickly and jump.

Deer mice are pests that regularly find their way to our Maryland properties; the best way to deter these pests is to learn about them and partner with a Pasadena rodent control expert. Accutech Pest Management is here to help you learn about deer mice and helpful rodent control and prevention tips.

Are deer mice dangerous?

Deer mice are a cause for concern around our homes because of their ability to spread hantavirus. This virus is shed through their urine, excrement, and saliva. People typically acquire the disease after breathing in contaminated air. People can also become infected with hantavirus after being bitten by a mouse or eating contaminated food. 

Symptoms of hantavirus include coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, and fever. Hantavirus is a serious infection and requires medical attention to treat the symptoms.

In addition to hantavirus, deer mice can spread various other pathogens, bacteria, and parasites. They will also use their sharp front incisors to cause damage to things like wires, cables, plants, crops, drywall, and food packaging.

Why do I have a deer mouse problem?

Deer mice prefer to live outside in rural areas. Habitats most likely to maintain large populations of deer mice include forests, grasslands, and crop fields. If your property is near or next to any of their preferred habitats, they will likely find their way into your yard. Like all wildlife, deer mice flourish in areas that offer them many food, water, and shelter sources. Things like gardens, fruit trees, bird feeders, and dense ground covering and vegetation will attract the attention of deer mice and other types of rodents in Pasadena.

Where will I find deer mice?

Deer mice prefer to live outside; they are not like the house mouse that wants to live indoors with people. However, if these mice do find their way into our yards, these tiny rodents can easily move into our homes, garages, and sheds. They usually move indoors because our structures provide a dry, sheltered spot to nest and store their food. 

Outside in our yards, deer mice nest in areas of tall grass and under wood piles, yard debris, landscaping ties, fallen trees, and shrubbery. If deer mice were to enter your home, they would likely nest in wall voids, attics, crawl spaces, and basement or closet clutter.

How do I get rid of deer mice?

If you believe you have spotted deer mice scampering around your yard or scurrying across your home’s surfaces, don’t delay in seeking help. Professional rodent control is the most effective and timely way to eliminate a rodent infestation. 

At Accutech Pest Management, we provide high-quality home pest control in Pasadena that will remove rodents from your property using the most effective treatments possible. Contact us today to receive a free estimate and begin the process of taking back your property from deer mice and our area’s other most common pests.

How can I prevent deer mice in the future?

The following rodent prevention tips will make your property less interesting to deer mice and help future problems with these pests:

• Remove unnecessary wood piles, overgrown vegetation, and tree stumps from your property.
• Cut back shrubs and bushes from your home’s exterior.
• Keep the grass in your yard cut short.
• Remove bird feeders, keep lids on trash cans, and pick up uneaten pet food to reduce foraging sites.
• Maintain your property’s gardens and regularly harvest fruits and vegetables.
• Inspect the outside of your home, and use caulk or expandable foam to seal cracks and crevices.
• Keep garage, shed, and basement doors closed whenever possible. 

For the best rodent control in Pasadena, reach out to us today. We are here to eliminate mice and keep them away for good.