House mouse

(Mus musculus domesticus)

Biology:

The house mouse originates from the steppes and semi-arid regions of Central Asia. With the development of agriculture and trade of goods, it was transported as early as the prehistoric times to North Africa and the Mediterranean, and then subsequently to Europe.

The house mouse stays very close to humans and can primarily be found in buildings. It prefers to live in dry rooms but can adapt well to different conditions (e.g. when it appears in refrigerated warehouses). It is approximately 10 cm long and its tail is about the same length. Being a crepuscular creature, it has large eyes and ears. Its fur is dark grey to blackish on top and becomes a lighter grey on the underside of the body.

It has an extremely well-developed sense of smell and taste, and its advanced spatial memory is extremely useful when it comes to finding its way. These creatures are very good climbers.

House mice live in smaller family units with one male and several females. In one year, a female has 5 to 8 litters, each with an average of 6 young. The creatures eat a varied, mixed diet made up of plant-based and animal-based foods.

 

Damage:

The house mouse causes damage by eating foodstuffs and contaminating them with excrement. It also causes significant damage by gnawing objects, paper, textiles, etc., for nest material. It can also transmit various diseases via infectious excretions (faeces, urine) or foods which it has chewed.