Biology Of Local Mice
Mouse Management Services In Twin Cities, MN
All About Mouse Biology
The majority of the rodents we deal with in the Twin Cities suburbs are deer mice and white footed mice. These are both peromyscus mice, meaning a genus of north american mice who are capable of living non-commensally. These mice have a much larger home territory than the standard house mouse, which can make them much more difficult to solve in the long run. The more commonly known house mouse is not actually common in the Twin Cities. The house mouse is a commensal rodent, not a peromyscus one, meaning it cannot survive without human activity to provide food, nesting materials, and harborage.
Areas with a higher population of mice make intrusion more likely, while our area’s mouse population density has been very high in recent years. The ability of peromyscus mice to survive in nature ensures exterior populations will continually refresh themselves. Mice and rats have very few weaknesses, but Minnesota’s climate does exploit them each winter.
Rodents cannot fight their desire for food because of their unusually high metabolism. They are also very poor at conserving their body heat. Thus peromyscus mice attempt to gain entry to our homes and businesses in search of shelter not food, which is already available to them outside.
Deer Mice
- Peromyscus
- 5-8 inches in length
- Soft fur with grey and an occasional dark band on the posterior, with a long bicolored tail (dark on top, white underneath).
- White feet and stomach, thin prominent ears with coarse whiskers and black eyes
- Females will have 6-44 offspring annually
- Nocturnal, feeds at dusk and dawn, preferring insects, seeds, nuts, berries, small fruits, insects, and earthworms
White Footed Mice
- Peromyscus
- 6-8 inches in length
- Course light to reddish brown fur, tail tapers from dark to light
- White feet and stomach, thin prominent ears with coarse whiskers and black eyes
- Females will have 4-36 offspring annually
- Nocturnal, feeding at dust and dawn, preferring seeds, berries, nuts, insects, grains, fruits, and fungi
House Mice
- Commensal
- Found in dense population centers and along shipping lines such as railroads, rivers, and shipping facilities
- 5-8 inch total length, roughly half of which is their mostly hairless tail
- Large rounded ears, often light brown in color
- Females will have 30-60 offspring annually
- Often nocturnal feeders, but also daytime when in uninhabited environments
- Eats grains, meats, fish, fruits, insects, vegetation, human and pet foods, and more.
Control Your Bed Bug Problem Today!
Please fill out this form if you are interested in bat control services. All of our services are fully warrantied! A representative of Abra Kadabra Environmental Services will be in touch with you shortly.
Not sure what kind of pest problem you have?
Check out our Pest Library to help identify what's bugging you.
Abra Kadabra Environmental Services is a member of the Better Business Bureau (with an A+ rating), NPMA (National Pest Management Association) and the MPMA (Minnesota Pest Management Association). We take our business and the safety of our clients seriously, striving to improve the lives of our neighbors with efficient, environmentally mindful pest treatments. Visit our Reviews page to see first-hand testimonials and recommendations.
Give us a call to discuss the issue you’re facing. With our years of experience, we’ve likely managed similar episodes many times. We’ll help you find a solution that works for you and your family.
To request a consultation, call Abra Kadabra at (763) 537-0330. We’re happy to discuss your concerns with you.
