PestDex Details
House Mouse
Mus musculus
rodent
Most common rodent in MD/VA/DC homes. Breeds rapidly and contaminates food and surfaces.
How to Identify
- •Gray-brown, 2–3 inches body + tail
- •Large ears, pointed nose
- •Droppings ¼ inch, rod-shaped
- •Gnaw marks on food packaging
Where Found
Wall voids, attics, cabinets, appliances. Enters through gaps as small as ¼ inch. Every MD/VA/DC neighborhood sees pressure in fall when temps drop.
Seasonality
Peak indoor migration September–November. Breeds year-round indoors (5–10 litters/year).
Health & Property Risk
Spreads Hantavirus, Salmonella, and contaminated food with urine. Gnaws wires (fire hazard). Single mouse produces 50–75 droppings/day.
Prevention Tips
- •Seal all gaps ¼ inch or larger
- •Store food in metal or glass containers
- •Keep crawl space and attic vents screened
- •Trim vegetation away from foundation
- •Remove clutter that provides harborage
Treatment Notes
Snap traps in runways (along walls). Bait stations outside and in attics. Must seal entry points — trapping alone is temporary fix.