Field Mice

What do field mice look like?

Field mice are usually gray or tawny-brown in color and their underbelly is covered in white hairs which extend back behind their tail. They also have lighter-colored or white feet. The field mouse’s tail is short, about the same length as its body, and is covered in fine hairs. From nose to tail, an adult field mouse grows to between 5 and 8 inches in length. Field mice can also be identified by their large dark eyes and thin prominent ears.

Are field mice dangerous?

Field mice are considered dangerous because they are carriers of the dangerous hantavirus. Hantavirus can lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome which causes very serious respiratory problems and is spread through the field mouse’s urine and feces. Field mice are also considered dangerous because they can introduce parasites such as fleas and ticks into your home and contaminate food and food-prep areas with bacteria, urine, feces, and saliva. Field mice have the potential to damage the structure of your home and personal property by chewing on and through wires, pipes, insulation, drywall, clothing, furniture, flooring, pictures, books, and more.

Where do field mice nest?

Field mice prefer to live outside and can be found burrowing and nesting in places like fields, farmland, logs, tree stumps, tall grasses, and dense brush and vegetation. Field mice are excellent climbers. If they are able to find their way into your home, attic, basement, barn, garage or shed, they will use the opportunity to build nests.  

Why do I have a field mice problem?

Field mice like to live outside and usually only become a problem for homeowners in the fall when the weather cools down, or after their outdoor nesting spots have become disturbed during the harvest process. Field mice typically enter homes through spaces found along the roof line, through the chimney, and through spaces around or under exterior doors and windows.

How do I get rid of field mice?

The most effective way to solve a problem with field mice is to contact a professional pest control expert. At Pro Active Pest Control, our professionals will partner with you, perform a thorough inspection, and create a pest control program to exclude field mice. We use the most modern pest control methods and products possible to control field mice and other common pests living in and around your home or business. To learn more about implementing our 100% guaranteed pest control services into your Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Rocklin, or Sacramento home or business, contact Pro Active Pest Control today.

How can I prevent future problems with field mice?

Preventing problems with field mice can be a difficult task, but there are some things you can do around your home to deter them and prevent them from finding their way inside. Seal any gaps found in your home’s foundation, exterior walls, and around utilities entering into your home. Inspect your home’s roofline, repairing any holes found and making sure that the chimney has a tight-fitting cap on it. Trim tree branches away from the exterior of your home. Make sure that outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids on them. Place garden areas, wood piles, and compost piles away from the outside of your home.