Field mice also have furry tails, while a house mouse’s tail is almost hairless. The field mouse’s tail is mostly covered in dark brown or gray fur. A house mouse’s tail is scaly and brown with very little fur covering it.
House mice also have a more distinctive, musky smell that field mice are not known for. [5] X Research source Do not pick up mice droppings with your bare hands. Their droppings can carry dangerous diseases. Instead, wear a pair of gloves and gather the droppings up with a paper towel. Clean the area with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water. Then, don’t forget to disinfect your gloves too. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Droppings are often one of the first indications that there is a mouse in your home.
House mice can also be found in fields and agricultural land, but they are more likely to be seen in urban areas as opposed to field mice. You’re more likely to see field mice in residential areas if they are surrounded by fields and agricultural land.
Both field mice and house mice are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. However, field mice especially love seeds while house mice will eat just about anything. Keep mice out of your house by sealing away your food, keeping your trash can lids on tight, and cleaning up crumbs and spills.
Both species of mice are nocturnal, meaning that they are active during the night. You’re much more likely to see and hear mice at night than during the day. [10] X Research source
While house mice typically build nests indoors, they also build nests under rocks and piles of wood. However, their nests are more likely to be built near houses, while field mice nests are farther away.
Hantavirus can be transmitted to humans by breathing in air after disturbing a field mouse’s nest or droppings. You can also be exposed to it by touching an infected mouse’s droppings or urine and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. House mice do not carry hantaviruses, but they can track viruses and bacteria like salmonella into your home. [13] X Research source
To get either type of mouse out of your house, set live traps or snap traps along the wall where you’ve seen the mouse or its droppings. Also place traps at any potential entry points where there are gnawing and scratch marks. Set the traps with peanut butter or a slice of cheese to draw the mouse out. [17] X Research source If the traps don’t work, try to set them with cotton balls or ripped paper towels instead. This may be more effective against female mice that are looking rather for nesting material than for food. Cover up any holes or cracks you find around your house with caulk and close any gaps around your doors and windows with weather stripping to keep mice from coming back inside. Also trim back shrubs and bushes around your home. [18] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
