The three most common species of mice likely to create pest pressures for property owners are the house mouse (Mus musculus), the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). These three species of mice are very similar in both size and weight. They are typically about 5" to 7"-inches long, including the length of their tail. The house mouse is usually the smallest of these species. Each of these three mouse species is primarily nocturnal and is quick to escape from dangerous situations. If mice are seen during the day, it is likely a house mouse. The house mouse breeds year-round inside structures such as homes. However, in its wild environment, the breeding period is generally from about April through September. Females generally have 5-10 litters per year and the litter size ranges from 3-12 pups, but normally about five or six. Mice droppings are found in locations where mice live, travel or stop to eat or collect food. Removing droppings and reinspecting later on is a good way to determine whether a mouse population is still active inside a structure. ALWAYS USE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION WHEN REMOVING MICE DROPPINGS. Since mice are nest builders, seeing nests in burrows or wall voids that provide protection certainly indicates mouse activity. Mice like to gnaw and chew on items in their habitat. Therefore, the appearance of chewed debris such as paper, bits of food, pieces of plastic or bits of wood and gnaw marks along the edges of wood or other hard materials in frequently traveled areas indicate the presence of mice. If one sees food packages that appear to be chewed into, a mouse infestation may be a possibility. Call MD Termite & Pest Control for a free estimate!