House Mouse

Scientific Name
Mus musculus
Also Known As
Eurasian House Mouse
Range
All of Florida
Diet
Seeds, grains, plants
Life Expectancy
9 - 12 Months
The Florida House Mouse
House Mouse conservation status - Invasive

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Round-tailed Muskrat (Florida Water Rat) in Central Florida

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a small, prolific rodent that thrives in and around homes and buildings.

House mice pose significant economic and health risks if populations are not well-controlled. This guide covers house mouse identification, biology, behavior, health hazards, and prevention methods relevant to central Florida.

Appearance and Identification

House mice have characteristic features that distinguish them from other small rodents

Adult House Mouse

Adult House Mice

  • Size: Adults reach 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in body length, plus a 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) tail. They weigh about 1/2 to 1 ounce (14-28 grams).
  • Fur: Fur ranges from gray to brown with a characteristic agouti pattern of lighter belly and banded, darker guard hairs on the back.
  • Head: Pointed nose, prominent ears nearly as long as their head, and black beady eyes.
  • Tail: Long, naked tail with distinct scaly annuli. The tail aids balance.
Juvenile Florida House Mouse

Juvenile House Mice

  • Size: Newborns are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, weighing less than 1 gram. They reach 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) including the tail by 3-4 weeks old.
  • Fur: Sparse, soft gray or brown fur covers the body. Juveniles lack the agouti pattern of adults.
  • Features: Proportionally large head, feet, and ears compared to the body size. Pointed nose and small, bead-like black eyes.

Mature house mice are smaller with larger ears and eyes compared to rats. Their feet lack the rat’s long toes adapted for climbing and burrowing. House mice vocalizations are higher-pitched squeaks compared to the rumbling noises rats make.

Maturation Rate

Newborn pups are hairless, blind and dependent on the mother. They develop fur at 1 week and open their eyes at 2 weeks old. Weaning occurs by 3-4 weeks old as they transition to solid food. House mice reach reproductive maturity and near-adult size by 6 weeks old. They are independent at 4-5 weeks old.

Habits and Behavior

House mice a