House mice are much more common in residences and commercial structures than are rats. A very adaptable species, the house mouse often lives in close association with humans and therefore is termed one of the “commensal” rodents along with Norway and roof rats. Native to central Asia, this species arrived in North America with settlers from Europe and from other points of origin. The onset of cold weather each fall in temperate regions may cause mice to move into structures in search of shelter and food. At times they may be found living far from human settlements, particularly where climates are moderate. House mice live in and around homes, farms, commercial establishments, and in open fields and agricultural lands. Similar mice include the white-footed mice and jumping mice (which have a white belly), and harvest mice (which have grooved upper incisor teeth).įollowing their arrival on colonists’ ships, house mice spread across North America and are now found in every state, including coastal areas of Alaska, and in the southern parts of Canada.
They are generally grayish brown with a gray or buff belly.
House mice are considered among the most troublesome and economically important rodents in the United States.Īdult house mice weigh about 2/5 to 4/5 ounce (11 to 22 grams). The house mouse ( Mus musculus) is a small, slender rodent that has a slightly pointed nose small, black, somewhat protruding eyes large, sparsely haired ears and a nearly hairless tail with obvious scale rings.
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