10 Fun Facts About Mice You May Not Have Known

Here at EarthKind, we know a lot about mice because it’s part of our job. But, there are actually some pretty fascinating facts (and some not-so-glamorous facts) that many homeowners don’t know about these creatures. Below we’ve curated a list of 10 interesting facts about mice that could help you better understand these pests and even help determine if you have a mouse problem in your house.

Take note, these mice facts may help you better understand those ‘bumps in the night’, the holes in your socks, or your missing snacks…

1. Their Urine Has a Fluorescent Glow

Mouse urine has a fluorescent glow that can be seen using a black light. The next time you are suspicious that one of these pests is invading your home, break out the black light and search all of the common locations (pantry, basement, boxes, drawers) that you may find these pests hiding in your home. If you find any areas that glow, consider placing a Stay Away® Rodent pouch there. This plant-based mouse repellent works to repel mice from your home and prevents them from returning.

2. They Don’t Love Cheese

Although mice are best known for their love of cheese, this is actually more fiction than fact. They have a strong sense of smell and aren’t attracted to many types of cheese that give off a strong odor. Mice eat grains, seeds, and even rotting fruits and vegetables and much prefer them over cheese.

3. A House Mouse Isn’t So Quiet

The cliche ‘as quiet as a mouse’ is mistaken. Although this is misleading, it should come as no surprise that the house mouse, also known as Mus Musculus, is actually a pretty loud critter!

This ruckus becomes an issue when they pass the time in your attic, pantry, or walls, making it nearly impossible to ignore. They use their claws to dig for food sources, find water, and build nesting materials, which also makes a noticeable sound.

You might’ve also noticed that mice teeth are particularly long. That’s because they constantly grow, meaning these rodents must gnaw on objects to grind them down, adding more sounds in the form of clicks and scratches. Not to mention, male mice “sing” when trying to attract a mate!

4. They’re Good Jumpers, Climbers & Swimmers

Mice can jump up to 18 inches in the air. This may not seem like a huge distance to you and me, but 18 inches is an impressive leap for their little bodies given the size of a mouse. Mice are quite the acrobats as well and are very efficient at swimming and climbing. If you suspect that your house has rodent invaders, keep your perishables sealed and put them away in a secure location.

5. They’re Notorious Thieves

The name ‘mouse’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘mus’, meaning ‘thief’. Ever wonder why these little pests invade your home and space? It’s because they steal from you! They need food, water, shelter, and warmth, especially when the temperature changes, and your home may be an easy target. They are like greedy, little trespassers, living off of you without paying their fair share!

6. They Can Produce Vitamin C

Mice can make their own Vitamin C. How is this possible? The ability to make Vitamin C comes from their genes; a lot of animals can produce this themselves. Humans, however, do not have this ability and must maintain our own Vitamin C intake. Studies have shown that when the genes in them are switched off, mice quickly begin showing signs of heart disease.

7. They Have Relatively Short Lifespans

Depending on the species of mouse, their lifespans can vary. A house mouse, the common type found invading homes, can live approximately two years in ideal living conditions.

8. A Few Can Quickly Turn Into a Full-Blown Mouse Infestation

The average female house mouse produces a litter of babies every 6-8 weeks. Each litter can contain 2-12 babies. This means they reproduce at an astonishing rate. If you’re dealing with either one of these creatures or an infestation, pest control should be your top priority.

9. They Sleep When They Can

Though mice aren’t necessarily nocturnal, they are typically the most active at night because this is when the least amount of danger is present. During the day, they sleep in a nest and typically leave to go look for food when the sun goes down. This is why you typically hear the scratching, scurrying sounds of a mouse infestation at night.

10. Mice Can Fit Through an Opening the Size of a Pencil

Mice do have bones and their bones don’t collapse, however, they can fit through a very tiny opening. Their skull is the biggest part of their body, so wherever their head can fit, they can go. This includes openings that are as small as a pencil. Sealing gaps around your house, whether new or old, is crucial and a necessary part of pest prevention!

Use These Mice Facts To Help Determine If You Have An Issue

Knowing more about the lives of mice and what they like makes it easier to figure out how to handle them. Although imagining these fuzzy little critters serenading one another is heartwarming, you certainly don’t want to encounter these thieves in your home. Not only can they destroy items throughout your home, garage, and inside your walls, but they can also spread life-threatening diseases through their droppings, including hantavirus, salmonella, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV).

This is why it’s extremely important to deal with a mouse problem the moment it’s detected to protect you and your family.

We recommend Stay Away Botanical Rodent Repellent to keep the mice out and your conscience clean!