What does a house mouse do? - briefly
A house mouse searches for food, builds nests in hidden crevices, and reproduces quickly. It gnaws building materials, spreads disease agents, and is primarily active at night.
What does a house mouse do? - in detail
A house mouse (Mus musculus) occupies human‑made structures such as walls, attics, and basements. It is primarily nocturnal, emerging after dark to explore its surroundings while avoiding direct light.
Food intake is opportunistic. The mouse consumes grains, seeds, fruits, insects, and waste material. It can store excess food in cheek pouches and transport it to a nest. Typical diet items include:
- Cereals and stored grain
- Bread crumbs and processed snacks
- Fruit skins and vegetable scraps
- Insects and occasional carrion
Social organization revolves around small colonies. Individuals establish dominance hierarchies through scent marking, ultrasonic vocalizations, and brief aggressive encounters. Communication relies on pheromones released from urine and gland secretions, which convey reproductive status and territorial boundaries.
Reproduction proceeds rapidly. Females reach sexual maturity at 6 weeks, experience a 19‑day gestation, and produce litters of 4‑8 offspring. Breeding can occur year‑round in heated environments, allowing populations to expand exponentially when resources are abundant.
Nest construction uses soft materials such as shredded paper, fabric fibers, and insulation. Nests are situated in concealed locations—behind walls, under floorboards, or within stored items—and provide warmth and protection for the young.
Interaction with human habitats yields several consequences. Mice contaminate food supplies with urine, feces, and hair, leading to spoilage. Their gnawing behavior damages electrical wiring, insulation, and structural components, increasing fire risk. They also serve as reservoirs for pathogens, including hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospira, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Effective control measures focus on exclusion (sealing entry points), sanitation (removing food sources), and population reduction (traps or approved rodenticides). Continuous monitoring is essential to prevent re‑infestation.