When we hear the word “mouse,” we often picture a small, skittering rodent with pointy ears and beady eyes. However, the reality is that the term “mouse” actually covers a wide range of species with similar physical features. Perhaps the most familiar types of mice in the U.S. are the field mouse and the house mouse. 

Despite their similar appearances, these two species come from different genera. So, while they may look and behave alike, genetically speaking they are very distinct creatures. But regardless of  the difference between a house mouse and a field mouse, there’s no denying that they are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of humans for centuries.

While the distinctions between a field mouse vs house mouse may not matter to some people, these differences determine how professionals handle a mouse invasion in your home. So, if you discover mice in your home, contact the experts in humane mice removal. Skedaddle technicians can determine which species has taken up residence and develop a customized plan to reclaim your home from the rodents.

Appearance Distinctions

Although most mice look the same as they scurry past you on the floor, there are slight variations in appearance that set one species apart from another. The house mouse and the field mouse display different features, coloration, and size characteristics.

Features

You can tell the difference between a field mouse and a house mouse by the shape of its snout, ears, and eyes. A field mouse has a long, pointy snout, whereas the house mouse’s nose is shorter and rounder. The house mouse also has smaller, rounder ears and smaller, beadier eyes than the field mouse. A field mouse has a bare tail that is shorter than the length of its body. A house mouse has fur on its tail, and this appendage is equal in length to its body.

Coloration

Another way you can tell these two common home invaders apart is in their coloration. Field mice come in gray or brown varieties, but they all have a white underbelly. The house mouse is either gray or brown, with no color variation on the belly.

Size

This last distinction isn’t always readily apparent unless you know you are dealing with a full-grown adult. Field mice grow to be up to 7 inches long, while house mice are full-sized at 5 inches. If you see one darting across your floor, it may be difficult to tell just how long it is.

Habitat Distinctions

Though both rodents may take up residence in your home, they have different habitat preferences. Field mice are not found in urban areas unless there are parks, forests, or open fields within or adjacent to the urban area. House mice can be found in both rural and urban areas.

Behavioral Distinctions

The behavior and feeding habits of different types of mice can be fascinating to observe. Two common types of mice, the house mouse and the field mouse, have distinct differences in their feeding behaviors. While the house mouse grazes and eats its food at the location it finds it, the field mouse is a hoarder, collecting and storing food in its nest for consumption at a later time. These differences in feeding habits are thought to be adaptive strategies that have helped each mouse species survive in their respective environments. Through careful study and observation, we can better understand the fascinating world of mice and their unique behaviors.

Disease Distinctions

This is not a distinction you want to find out about first-hand. These two different rodents both carry diseases that they can transmit to humans. The primary concern with the field mouse is hantavirus, a virus that can lead to a potentially deadly illness for people who become infected. This virus spreads through the urine and feces of an infected field mouse.

House mice are vectors for Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, leptospirosis, and rickettsialpox. The first is a viral infection, while the other two are bacterial. Rickettsialpox is a mild illness, and no deaths have been reported, but the other two diseases can be more serious, and leptospirosis can be fatal.

Mouse Removal Distinctions

Having mice scurrying around your home can be alarming, and it’s important to address the situation as quickly as possible. However, not all mice are created equal, and distinguishing between house mice and field mice is crucial for proper removal. That’s where Skedaddle comes in – as experts in wildlife control in Milwaukee, we have the knowledge and experience to identify the type of mouse infesting your home and determine the best course of action for eviction. 

When it comes to keeping your home free of pesky critters, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has got you covered with our hands-on techniques and ethical approach. Our technicians don’t just drop off a trap and hope for the best – we roll up our sleeves and get to work by climbing roofs and crawling through attics to ensure that animals are kept out for good. We never use harmful poisons or chemicals, leaving your home and family safely protected. 

Our proven three-step process ensures that our clients receive the best possible wildlife control service experience. 

So, if you’re looking for a professional and humane approach to managing animals around your home, look no further than Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Contact us today to get started.