Deer Mouse

Habitat:

• Outdoors in trees or beneath logs
• Inside often found in basements or attics

Habits:

• Prefer to nest in dark outdoor areas
• Accomplished runners and jumpers
• Nocturnal

Common in Wisconsin, Acrobat Ants get their name from an odd habit of holding their abdomens above the rest of their body which makes them look like gymnasts. They often build nests in decaying wood and have a mutual relationship with aphids.

The Deer Mouse is of the genus of rodent, Peromyscus, which comes from the Greek words meaning “booted mouse”. The common name comes from both the coloration of the rodent, which resembles a white-tailed deer as well as their agility, as they are accomplished runners and jumpers. Deer mice are omnivorous and tend to be opportunistic eaters. They feed on various invertebrates as well as seeds, fruits, grain, and flowers. They can live in the wild for about a year, and in captivity between two and three years.

Habitats

Deer mice are nocturnal, so they rarely leave their nests during the day and tend to hide those nests very well. Made with soft materials for insulating, they nest under rocks, logs, in brush piles, and tree holes. Common nesting materials are moss, leaves, feathers, and dried grass. A nest may be abandoned when it has become full of feces and waste and a new nest created during the year. It is not unusual for a family of deer mice to inhabit several nests.

During the winter, deer mice will seek shelter in warmer places inside buildings. Because of their climbing abilities, they are not only found in basements and lower levels, but they are also often found in upper levels of structures and attics. It is important to seal up any small holes or cracks so that they cannot make your home their new nesting spot!

Habits & Dangers

The biggest threat that Deer mice pose is the transmission of the dangerous, potentially fatal, hantavirus. The disease is transmitted through contact with mouse carcasses or breathing in airborne urine droplets from infected mice. In addition to spreading disease, deer mice can be a nuisance leaving greasy stains (sebum) on walls and other surfaces, leaving excrement droppings, and chewing through your cereal boxes.

What to do if you are in need of Deer Mouse Removal?

If you think you have an infestation of Deer Mice in your home, give us a call! Our office staff at The Bug Man and Queen Bee can give you an estimate right over the phone and get you on the schedule as soon as possible, sometimes the next day! Our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect your house and take all measures to eliminate the Deer Mouse infestation. The Bug Man and Queen Bee is a locally owned, family company and we take pride in meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Call or email for your free estimate today!