Deer Mouse

Deer Mouse – These mice have white feet, usually white undersides, and brown or black fur. Their bicolored tails are relatively long and can be as long as the head and body.

In comparison to house mouse, deer mice have larger eyes and ears. They are considered by most people to be more “attractive” than house mice, and they do not have the characteristic mousy odor of house mice. All species of Peromyscus cause similar problems and require similar solutions. The principal problem caused by deer mice is their tendency to enter homes, cabins and other structures that are not rodent-proofed.

It is in these places that they build nests, store food and can cause considerable damage to upholstered furniture, mattresses, clothing, paper or other materials that they find suitable for their nest-building activities. Nests, droppings, and other signs left by these mice are similar to those of house mice. the deer mouse was first implicated as a potential reservoir a type of hantavirus responsible for an adult respiratory distress syndrome.

The source of the disease is thought to be through human contact with urine, feces or saliva from infected rodents.