Deer mice and house mice are two of the more common rodents found around homes, and while they share a similar size and shape, a few key traits set them apart.
House mice are small rodents well adapted to living alongside people.
Deer mice are outdoor rodents that occasionally move indoors, especially in rural or wooded areas.
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Droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material signal both species, but location is the giveaway. House mice stick close to kitchens and pantries, while deer mice favor garages, sheds, attics, and storage areas. Since deer mice are the primary carrier linked to hantavirus, leave any droppings or nesting material undisturbed and let our pest technicians handle cleanup and removal.
Sealing gaps around your home's foundation, doors, and utility lines helps keep both species out, along with storing food in airtight containers and reducing clutter where mice like to nest.
If you live near fields, woods, or overgrown lots, keeping vegetation trimmed back from your home's exterior can also lower the chances of deer mice moving in when the weather cools. For an added layer of protection, our rodent exclusion services target the entry points mice use most.
Deer mice have a clear two-tone look, with a brown or reddish back, white belly and feet, and a furry tail, while house mice are grayish-brown all over with a scaly tail. Location is another clue, since deer mice are more common in garages, sheds, and outbuildings.
Deer mice mainly live outdoors but can move into homes, garages, and sheds, especially during colder months when they seek shelter.
Deer mice carry a higher health risk since they're linked to hantavirus, a rare but serious respiratory illness. If you suspect deer mice have been in your home, avoid disturbing any droppings or nesting material and consult a healthcare professional if you feel unwell.
Whether it's deer mice or house mice, they can settle in fast once they find a way inside.
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