House Mouse

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a brownish mouse with a long scaly tail and large, naked leaf-like ears. The house mouse is not native to Florida, but now occurs throughout the state, often in habitats associated with humans.  In addition to houses, they may live in groceries, factories, or agricultural buildings where grain is stored.  They may also live outdoors in old fields, pastures, or road sides.    They may be a pest as they get into food, and gnaw in walls or clothing.   As the weather grows colder, mice may become more active and seek indoor shelter.

Control of mice may be done by an exterminator or by the property owner. Mice may be trapped with glue boards or snap traps. The poison Quintox is also an effective control, and is not dangerous to other animals or neighborhood pets if they eat a poisoned mouse.  Quintox should not be eaten directly by people or pets.  Perhaps most effective is cleaning up debris, and mowing nearby overgrown areas.  Messy areas give mice food and shelter, and allow the mice to breed and spread.   Additionally encouraging predators, such as barn owls in the area, may decrease mice densities.

You can receive technical assistance for mouse problems by contacting your nearest FWC regional office.

More information

• Do it yourself pest control
• Wildlife Resources Handbook fact page