Deer Mice

What do deer mice look like? 

The deer mouse is one of the species of rodents in our area. This very agile species of mouse is widely distributed across the United States. The soft fur on the topside of the body is light to dark grayish-brown, while the fur on the underside, legs, and feet is a contrasting white color. Their tail is also bi-colored, darker on top, light on the bottom, and covered in short hairs. Deer mice have large back legs that allow them to jump and run quickly.

Why do I have a problem with deer mice?

Deer mice are a species of rodent that likes to live outside. Yards and homes located near their preferred habitats often become a place for deer mice to forage for food. Deer mice also enter homes to nest in the late fall and winter months, preferring the warm temperatures inside over the cold temperatures found outside.

Where do deer mice nest?

Outside, deer mice live and nest in fields, forests, and grasslands. They are not usually found living in urban areas. Deer mice are more prevalent in suburban areas surrounded by open outdoor spaces and wooded areas. When deer mice do make their way inside to nest, they choose locations that are quiet and secluded. Indoors, nesting spots include attics, behind walls voids, and in crawl spaces.

Are deer mice dangerous?

Deer mice are dangerous pests because they can be carriers of Hantavirus, a very serious disease that can be spread to people by rodents. In addition, they spread a variety of other bacteria and pathogens. They also introduce parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks onto yards and into homes.

When deer mice are inside a home, they can contaminate food sources, food-prep areas, and other surfaces with their excrement and saliva. Being rodents, deer mice have sharp front incisors that continuously grow. To prevent their teeth from overgrowing they chew on anything they come across. Inside of a home they can cause destruction by chewing through wires, pipes, insulation, and drywall.

How do I get rid of deer mice?

The easiest way to eliminate deer mice is to partner with an experienced professional. At Prosite, we offer relief from deer mice problems. Our solution starts with the accurate identification of the infestation. We then develop a plan of action that gets rid of these destructive and potentially dangerous mice. Visit our rodent control page for more information about our deer mouse control services in Ellensburg and Central Washington.

How do I prevent problems with deer mice?

The best way to prevent problems with deer mice in your home is to make your property as unattractive as possible to them. If deer mice aren’t living in your yard, they most likely won’t find their way into your home. Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, excess woodpiles, and other debris from your property where they can hide and nest. Get rid of food sources by keeping tight-fitting lids on trashcans and compost bins, pick up uneaten pet food between feedings, and remove bird feeders. Eliminate access into your home by sealing cracks in the foundation, fixing holes along the roofline, placing weather stripping around windows and doors, and cutting back tree limbs from your home.