Deer mice are common across Idaho, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. Although small and often unnoticed, they are a significant health concern because they can carry and transmit hantavirus. This article explains what hantavirus is, how deer mice behave, what signs indicate an infestation, and how to prevent exposure in your home or business.
Facts About Deer Mice
Deer mice are a type of rodent found throughout North America, including the Treasure Valley. They have large eyes, prominent ears, and two-toned coloration with darker fur on top and a light-colored belly. Their tails are also sharply bicolored, which helps distinguish them from house mice.
Adult deer mice typically measure 2 to 3 inches in body length, with a tail equally long. They are agile climbers, quick movers, and capable of fitting through small openings that many homeowners would never suspect.
Deer mice are omnivores, feeding on seeds, insects, fruits, and other available food sources. They are active year-round, day and night. A single female can produce multiple litters annually, which allows populations to grow quickly if left unchecked.
Deer Mice and Disease
Deer mice are primary carriers of hantavirus in the United States. Hantavirus is a serious respiratory illness transmitted through contact with infected urine, droppings, or saliva. Humans become exposed when contaminated particles become airborne and are inhaled.
Common early symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after exposure. Anyone who believes they have been exposed should seek immediate medical care. There is no specific cure for hantavirus, but early treatment improves the chances of recovery.
Deer mice may also carry other pathogens such as salmonella and bacteria associated with Lyme disease, making prevention and control especially important.
Signs of a Deer Mouse Infestation
Deer mouse droppings are one of the clearest signs. They are dark, cylindrical, and about one quarter of an inch long. Additional signs include:
- Scurrying or scratching noises in walls, ceilings, or crawlspaces
- Rustling sounds from insulated areas or stored items
- Small piles of nesting material
- A musty odor caused by urine or droppings
Deer mice can damage electrical wiring, insulation, furniture, and stored food. They also pose a health risk due to contamination.
How to Get Rid of Deer Mice
Prevention is the first step toward avoiding deer mouse infestations:
- Seal cracks and gaps larger than a quarter inch using steel wool and sealant
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping
- Screen vents, chimneys, and openings
- Keep yards clear of debris, wood piles, and clutter
- Store all food in airtight containers
- Avoid leaving pet food where rodents can reach it
If an infestation is already active, do not attempt cleanup or trapping without proper precautions. Deer mice can shed hantavirus even when droppings appear dry.
Instead, let trained professionals handle removal.
A licensed pest control provider can remove the rodents safely, sanitize affected areas, and help prevent future infestations.
For deer mouse control and rodent prevention in the Treasure Valley, contact Pestcom Pest Management.