House Mouse (Mus musculus)

How to Identify Them

Mice are much smaller than rats, with proportionally large ears and a tail about as long as the body. Droppings are tiny, about 1/4 inch, and pointed. A strong musky smell is common in heavier infestations.

Common look-alikes:

• Young roof rat: bigger head and feet; droppings larger. See our roof rat guide.

Signs of an Infestation

• Small dark droppings in drawers, cabinets, pantries and along walls
• Chewed food packaging
• Shredded paper or insulation nests
• Scratching in walls or cabinets at night
• A musky odor

Prevention Tips

• Store pantry food in sealed containers.
• Keep the garage door closed and install bottom seals.
• Seal small gaps around pipes, lines and doors.
• Reduce clutter and cardboard in storage.
• Keep pet food in sealed bins.

Mice in Garages, Pantries and Utility Rooms

In South Florida homes, mice most often settle in the garage first. Bags of grass seed, bird seed, dog food and stored cardboard boxes are hard for them to resist, and the gap under a worn garage door seal is all they need. From the garage they move into the laundry room, the pantry and the spaces behind kitchen appliances. Check the bottom of the garage door for daylight, look behind and under stored items for droppings and shredded paper, and move pet food into sealed bins. Inside the pantry, look for small holes chewed in cereal boxes and bags of rice or pasta. Throw away anything mice have gotten into.

Traps, Poisons and Kids or Pets

Store-bought poisons can be risky in homes with kids and pets, and a mouse that dies inside a wall can cause odor problems. We place devices thoughtfully, use tamper-resistant stations outdoors, and explain where everything is so your family stays safe.