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A house mouse sat on some straw.
© Photo by Amy Lewis

House Mouse

Mus musculus

As their name suggests, the House Mouse thrives wherever there are people, particularly in farm buildings, warehouses, sheds and garages, although it is no longer a common resident of our houses.

© Photo by Amy Lewis

The House Mouse is the ancestor of our domestic mice and can be a serious pest of grain stores.

How to Identify

Much smaller than a rat, the House Mouse can be distinguished from the Wood Mouse by its grey-brown colour, relatively smaller ears and eyes.

Where to Find

Found throughout the country. In decline largely due to modern housing not providing suitable living space and use of poisons.

What People can do

House Mice can be a serious pest, but mostly will live side-by-side with humans without cause for concern. They have extremely good homing instincts, so if you catch and release one, do so at least a mile from where you found it to ensure it does not return. The Wildlife Trusts work with pest controllers to find the most wildlife-friendly solutions to some of our everyday problems.

Did you know?

The House Mouse was probably originally native to Asia, but has spread around the world with people, arriving here as long ago as the Iron Age. It is now one of the most successful mammals in the world.

Key Facts

  • Length: 10cm
  • Tail: 10cm
  • Weight: 20g
  • Average lifespan: 1 year

Donate

Donate to help support House Mice and other wildlife.

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