Field mice problems can happen to anyone. While their name is “field,” these types of pests are often found in suburban areas. Those looking to get rid of field mice will have their work cut out for them, but one of the best ways to eradicate them is to gain a better understanding of what they want, what is attracting them, and what will make them go away.
Field Mice Facts
Sometimes a field mouse may have gotten into the house, garage, or shed, but the owner is not entirely sure. By learning about the mouse and its lifestyle and habits, a homeowner may be able to determine whether they truly have a mouse problem.
Field mice are often referred to as deer mice. They can ravage grain storage bins, silos, and more. They love to eat grains and are highly destructive when looking for more food to eat. They are also a nuisance to those who store or create grain products.
Deer mice have an exceptionally small head, but they are larger in total size than the traditional house mouse. These mice can be black and brown in color, but most are brown.
Where Do Deer Mice Live?
Deer mice typically live in the southeastern regions of the U.S. They prefer rural areas because there is more to eat out there. It is rare to find a deer mouse in an urban environment, but it does happen as there is less rural land for them to thrive on.
A field mouse will create a nest in ledges or inside a garage, car, or even a barn. They will typically stay within 30 feet of their food source.
How Long Do Field Mice Live?
Most field mice rely on the culture and socialization of other mice. They also have a hierarchy in their family, which includes a dominant male and up to three subordinate males. Then, there are two to five females. Most of these mice will not live very long. In fact, they only have a lifespan of one to two years. However, they reproduce rapidly. So, while the first field mouse may not survive long, one will find that field mice in the house will continue to breed.
How Many Babies a Mice Could Have
One single mouse could breed a massive number of mice in just a few short months. This is because mice are naturally able to breed quickly. Female mice are sexually
mature at three weeks, and then the gestational period is only three weeks. They can get pregnant immediately after breeding too – allowing them to maximize the population.
What do Field Mice Eat?
Field mice prefer to eat grains. This can include oats, wheat, corn, and more. When a field mouse gets inside the house, shelter, food, or water attracts them. Therefore, a homeowner will need to eradicate these attractions.
Sometimes an unclean home is a reason mice will start to enter. They can smell food on the floors or open boxes of food in the pantry. Mice can fit through minuscule openings. All it takes is a quarter-inch opening for a mouse to enter – and these are often unseen by a homeowner.
Brand new homes are not free of infestation risks either. In fact, brand new homes have openings that were left by contractors, which are perfect targets for mice to enter.
Some foods that will attract field mice include:
- Nuts
- Insects
- Berries
- Seeds
- Meats
- Grains
Some mice will eat chocolate, too, and some love chocolate enough to make a home in a person’s pantry if they have enough chocolate to feed on.
Homeowners can tell if they have a field mouse issue in their home just by looking for the signs. This may include finding droppings in the corners of the house or behind appliances. Another indicator is noise during the day that cannot be identified. Sometimes there are signs of damage, such as areas where the mouse has chewed through wood, wires, or insulation to create a path.
Those who suspect they have a mouse problem will want to use a home remedy to remove them. However, they must also remove any attractions to keep field mice from coming back in the future.