How to Get Rid of Disease Spreading Field Mice in Your Belleview, FL House & Backyard

Throughout the United States, rodents have tormented people for as long as anyone can remember. Whether they have intruded on homes or businesses, rodents are a fairly common pest we have to deal with. Generally, any member of the rodent family is more than a nuisance. Mice and rats, being the most likely culprit, will inflict costly damages upon structures, utility lines, electric wiring, and personal property. They will contaminate food and can easily spread a variety of dangerous bacteria and diseases. Though Florida is home to a number of rodents, we at Pest 911 would like to discuss field mice specifically today.

House Mouse VS Field Mouse

Field mice, or more formally, the Peromyscus Maniculatus typically range in color from golden brown to a reddish brown where the chest and feet remain white. Field mice average nearly four inches in length with the tail being bi-colored and long. In comparison, they are smaller than an average house mouse. Field mice have a small body and head and weigh approximately ½-1 ounce. Their eyes are large and protrude, and the fur on their ears is sparse.

Field Mice Lifespan

A field mice’s lifespan is about two years. The mice that live their lives mostly outdoors usually only breed during the spring and fall, where the mice living inside will breed all year long. Generally, they will have between two and four litters a year, with each litter containing four pups; having only a 20 day gestation cycle. These mice will generally nest within 30 feet of their food source, often sticking to rural areas.

What Do Field Mice Eat & Where Do They Live?

Being nocturnal, they will often commence feeding 30 minutes after sunset and just before sunrise. Field mice will eat nearly anything, being omnivorous. They generally consume small fruits, berries, seeds, beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, and underground fungus among other things. Their droppings are identifiable being ¼” in length with pointed ends and dark brown in color. Field mice have a tendency to avoid people whenever possible and are rarely seen in urban areas, but when they venture inside, people do not notice any infestation until it has progressed.

Field Mice Property Damage & Diseases

Field mice are more of a nuisance for farmers and avid edible gardeners because of their love for fruits, berries, and seeds. Leading to costly damages, field mice are not uncommonly found infiltrating food storage facilities. If you should find field mice in your home, it is likely because they are after your grains, and seeds. Additionally, they could have hunted the insects in your home as well. Since they are fond of insects, a field mouse infestation could be an indication of an insect infestation as well. Field mice can transmit dangerous bacteria and diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis and salmonellosis.

Mice Rodent Control & Removal

Mouse traps are not usually effective unless properly placed. Where people who try to remove field mice from their homes or businesses often come up short, these mice are better removed with professional assistance and the sooner the better before they inflict damage in your home or spread bacteria and diseases. If you suspect field mice are in your home or business, call in the specialists of Pest 911 and let our experts get them removed quickly and efficiently.