Deer mouse or white footed mouse zoologically known as Peromyscus maniculatus is the most distributed rodent in North America. They have derived their name from their ability to jump and run fast and can surprise you with their unbelievable agility. They are also known to spread deadly Hantavirus among habitants. These are forest dwellers and mostly prefer grassland, fields and forests unless your home is surrounded by these. Deer Mouse identification is important if you want to drive them out of your home and their distinguish white under belly and legs are the main identification features. There are several types of the species belonging to genus peromyscus in North America and they include California mouse, canyon mouse, cactus mouse, brush mouse, pinyon mouse and Baja deer mouse. However it is a better advised to seek help from expert mouse exterminator Kleinburg like BBPP if you have deer mouse infestation.
Deer Mice habits and habitat
By identifying deer mouse you will know how to manage them. Their habitat, food habits, and lifestyle will give you important inputs that you can use against them and easily erode them from your home. Deer mice are nocturnal so they live in their nest or shelter through the day only to emerge in the night to hunt food. They build their nests using twigs, leaves, stems, grass roots and fibers and line the nest with feathers, fur or shredded cloth. They usually live in tree stumps, hollows, and under the rocks and roots or logs. Deer mice is habituated to live above the ground and are known to use abandoned bird or squirrel’s nest in abandoned structures. When the weather is severe they don’t hibernate but remain dormant. The live as a family group throughout the winter and they are primarily herbivorous thus feed on seeds and grass. They will also eat fruits, fungus, green vegetation and invertebrates. These mice species are known to store foods so they can use it during winter. During winter Deer mice don’t breed and in warm environments breeding is year around. Deer Mouse starts breeding at the age of six weeks and each litter is of the size of three to six young. In home environment deer mice thrive but finds it hard to survive even 2 y ears in the wild.
What damage Deer Mice can cause?
Deer mice usually take refuge in abandoned buildings, cabins and vacated homes to built nests and store food. in urban setup deer mice is not common and are mostly found in parks, nearby forest, thickets, and fields. They enter homes to hunt food when outside resources dry up. They will tear open mattresses, upholstered furniture, paper, clothing, and other soft materials for nest building. Deer mice are known to hunt for seeds thus destroy and contaminate food grains, agricultural seeds, acorns and nuts. This is a giveaway that you have deer mice infestation.
Spread Hantavirus
Hantavirus or HPS is a deadly respiratory disease caused by Deer Mice. if exposed to the virus every individual is at risk if they happen to have deer mice infestation. The disease sometimes may get fatal and result in loss of life if not taken care in the initial stage. Hantavirus infection in North America is largely associated with Deer Mice hence it is important to exterminate them from your home as soon as you spot them.
It is best to call professional exterminators from BBPP, the most efficient pest control Kleiburg and get rid of them as they are also most experienced in the field. You can contact them on phone number 647-910-6315 or send mail to info@bbppcanada.com and get a free quote.