S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Deer Mice
Peromyscus maniculatus
Color: Brown, with white feet and underbelly
Legs: Four
Shape: Round
Size: 2" - 6" long
Antennae: No
Flight: No

The deer mouse rarely invades homes and is found in more rural areas. The deer mouse makes its home outdoors in sheltered areas such as hollow tree logs or piles of debris. It does not commonly invade homes, but in rare instances the deer mouse comes indoors, it prefers undisturbed areas such as attics.

This pest, though it doesn't usually come into homes, is important because they are known to transmit the potentially fatal Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Cases of Hantavirus are rare. Only about 300 to 400 cases have been documented in the past nine years.

If you would like more information about Hantvirus, please visit the CDC website.

Prevention:

If you live in an area where deer mice have been seen or could be present, it may be in your best intrest to hire a trained profesional. Precautions should be taken to minimize your risk. Chances of encountering a Hantavirus infected mouse is low, but there a risk.

Keep these guideline in mind when trying to control these pests yourself:

Never vacuum mouse droppings and dust or debris in mouse activity areas. Since the virus can be spread by breathing in mouse-urine-laden dust particles that contain the virus.
Wear a respirator equipped with a High Efficiency Purifying Air (HEPA) filter as well as unvented protective goggles and latex or rubber gloves.
Soak mouse droppings and dusty areas with chlorine bleach then wipe up with paper towels. Place the used towel in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of in an outdoor trash bin.
Clean protective equipment with chlorine bleach, then again with soap and water, and allow to air dry before the next use.
Spray dead deer mice with chlorine bleach before disposal. Handle traps wearing latex or rubber gloves and a HEPA-equipped respirator. Try to avoid touching or handling the carcass. Dispose of the carcass in a sealed plastic bag in an outdoor trash bin.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.