Deer Mice Infestation

How to Identify Deer Mice Infestations

Because deer mice prefer very rural areas such as forests, grasslands and agricultural crops, they aren’t normally found in urban and residential areas. In the wild, deer mice nests may be underground in cavities around tree roots or in shrubs. Sometimes deer mice will establish nests beneath logs or boards, or in tunnels abandoned by other animals. Above ground, deer mice are known to nest in hollow trees, in woodpiles and fence posts, as well as in abandoned squirrel and bird nests.

Although not usually found in homes, deer mice may enter your storage buildings, during the cooler months to build nests for the winter. Deer mice cause damage to upholstered furniture, mattresses, clothing, paper or other materials they find suitable for constructing their nests.

Clues that native mice have moved in

Deer mice and their Florida relatives tend to turn up in places people do not visit every day: hunting camps, barns, detached garages, storage sheds, campers, boats and seldom-used vehicles. Signs to look for:

• Food stashes. Piles of seeds, acorns, pet food or birdseed tucked into drawers, boots, glove boxes, air filters or behind stored items. House mice do this much less, so caches are a helpful clue.
• Droppings. Small, dark, rice-sized pellets with pointed ends along walls, in drawers and on shelves.
• Nests. Round balls of shredded paper, fabric, insulation, cotton or plant fiber packed into boxes, cushions, mattresses or engine compartments.
• Gnawing and holes. Chewed corners on bags and boxes and small openings in screens, vents and weather stripping.
• Sounds and smell. Light scratching at night and a musty odor in closed-up rooms.

Outside, check woodpiles, brush piles, lumber stacks and dense vegetation against buildings, plus anywhere birdseed or feed gets spilled. Properties bordering woods, fields or wetlands see the most activity.

In North Florida these mice usually move into structures in fall and winter, when nights turn cool and outdoor food thins out. Farther south, problems can come up any time of year. Wild rodent droppings and nests can carry hantavirus and other germs, so read deer mice bites and treatment before cleaning anything up.