What should you call a house mouse? - briefly
The common name for Mus musculus, the rodent that inhabits human dwellings, is “house mouse.” In scientific literature it is identified as Mus musculus.
What should you call a house mouse? - in detail
The domestic mouse that lives inside human dwellings is most accurately referred to as a house mouse (Mus musculus). This term distinguishes it from other rodent species such as the field mouse (Apodemus species) or the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). In scientific contexts, the binomial name Mus musculus provides precise identification and eliminates ambiguity.
When communicating with non‑specialists, common alternatives include:
- Common mouse – widely understood but may cause confusion with other mouse species.
- Domestic mouse – emphasizes the animal’s association with human habitats.
- House‑dwelling mouse – descriptive but less frequently used.
In pest‑control literature, the phrase “house mouse” remains the standard label because it aligns with regulatory documents, research papers, and industry manuals. Using the scientific name alongside the common term ensures clarity across disciplines and audiences.