(by the kind permission of National Pest Management Association)
Peromyscus maniculatus
Description
Color: Brown, with white feet and underbelly
Legs: 4
Shape: Round
Size: 5 to 8 inches long
Antennae: False
The deer mouse rarely invades homes, and is found in rural areas.
Habits
The deer mouse prefers the outdoors.
Habitat
The deer mouse makes its home outdoors in sheltered areas such as hollow tree logs or piles of debris. On the rare occasions the deer mouse comes indoors, it prefers undisturbed areas such as attics.
Threats
The deer mouse transmits the potentially fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. The disease can be transmitted through contact with mouse carcasses, or by breathing in aerosolized urine droplets of infected deer mice.
Prevention
To keep mice and other rodents out, make sure all holes of larger diameter than a pencil are sealed. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel. Seal any cracks and voids. Don't overlook proper drainage at the foundation and always install gutters or diverts which will channel water away from the building. Use heavy gloves and protective breathing gear when working in an area populated by deer mice.
