One of the most common rat species found in Australia is the field mouse. As the name implies, these mice may reside on fields but they’re commonly found in residential metro areas. They rummage through human food, eat farm produce or pet food and are a sanitation threat.
Field mice are commonly found in rural areas or homes, plains, and fields, or forests. They have this innate ability to swim, run, jump, or climb making them adaptable to modern day suburbs.
Like other common species of rats, field mice can find themselves in structures like warehouses, barns, or homes. They gnaw their way into structures and through outdoor furniture.
How to Identify Field Mice
Here are their few notable field mice features.
- Size: 9 to 11 centimeters in length.
- Tail length: 6 to 8 centimeters.
- Body color: Ranges from beige, dark brown to red-brown. Also, field mice have a distinct white belly.
- Facial features: When compared to a house mouse, a field mouse’s eyes and ears is relatively smaller.
- Weight: 13 to 30 grams.
How Field Mice Behave
What does a field mouse eat? How long do they live? Or, how fast do field mice populate?
- A field mouse thrives by eating seeds, grains, buds, young plants, snails, mushrooms, root vegetables, and earthworms.
- Regarding their population numbers, a field mouse can give birth to 4 to 6 young per litter. In a year, about 2 to 4 litters are born.
- On average, a field mouse lives for about a year.
Getting Rid of Field Mice
When it comes to eradicating field mice, there is no better cure than prevention itself. Here are some of the tips that you can follow to assure minimal to none rodent presence.
- Close low-level gaps.
- Keep the place tidy and clutter free.
- Food containers used to store pet food in sheds etc must be kept shut – keep an eye out for teeth marks!
For infestations, DIY strategies are not the best option. If not treated early, field mice can be a huge threat to your property and health.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you eradicate or prevent field mice from taking up residence!
