Pest Management Professional, November 2009

Technology Country Mouse By Hanif Gulmahamad Contributor F ifteen species of native mice of the genus Peromyscus Rodentia Cricetidae are known to occur in the United States Six of these species are endemic to California with the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus being the most common and extensively distributed species throughout the state Its believed the deer mouse is the principal and possibly the sole reservoir for the Sin Nombre Virus SNV the causative agent of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome HPS in California in the City The two most common and widely distributed species of Peromyscus in the U S are the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus and the white footed mouse Peromyscus leucopus In general and particularly within the structural pest management industry all species of Peromyscus are commonly referred to as white footed mice or deer mice The deer mouse occupies nearly every type of habitat within its range from forests to grasslands which extends from the Pacific Ocean eastward to Labrador on the Atlantic Ocean covering an area of more than 5 million square miles Its the most widely distributed and abundant mammal in North America a fact attributed to its adaptability short generation time varied and opportunistic diet high genetic variability great mobility ability to readily become a stowaway and high reproductive potential Deer mice were reported to reinvade to the center of 500 acre plots within a few weeks after satisfactory control was achieved in the area Almost every avian or mammal predator feeds on Peromyscus making these mice principal prey species in North America All Peromyscus species have white feet and usually white undersides with brownish dorsal surfaces Theres a clear demarcation between the white belly and the darker upper body color Their tails are distinctly bicolored brownish on top and whitish below Some believe Peromyscus species are more cute and cuddly than other commensal and peridomestic mice species What is perceived to be cute and cuddly however can be deadly White footed and deer mice are primarily opportunistic omnivores frequently feeding on nuts seeds grains acorns forbs broad leaved herbaceous flowering plants and arthropods In some habitats they often exhibit certain food preferences and will actively seek out these items to meet their nutritional needs Theyre opportunistic feeders and will also feed on small fruits berries fungi and algae Deer mice are primarily nocturnal and do not hibernate In nature they nest in hollow logs stumps hollow fence posts woodpiles buildings animal burrows cavities in soil beneath roots of trees and shrubs beneath a log or board and among rocks Female deer mice reach sexual maturity in five to six weeks The gestation period is 22 to 25 days with one to eight young most commonly three to five and two to four litters produced each year The breeding season is generally from February through November and females may exhibit territorial behavior during the season Summer populations may reach a density of about 15 mice per acre which is considered high Reports regarding the preferred and frequent habitat of deer mice north of Mexico are prevalent The following statements were taken from various pest management companies Web sites If you live in a rural or semi rural area near a field forest or other undeveloped area there is a possibility that deer mice could enter your home Not usually present in cities or suburban residences except bordering parks or other wooded areas The deer mouse is not found in cities but is associated more with rural areas and buildings located in or near wooded areas 52 PEST MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL NOVEMBER 2009 www mypmp net