1. Smallest mouse: The smallest mouse species is the African pygmy mouse (Mus minutoides), with adults reaching 30-80 mm in length
2. Tails: Most mice have tails that are as long as their bodies
3. Whiskers: Mice use their whiskers to determine which surface they are walking on. In addition, they are used to sense temperature changes
4. Communication: When mice communicate with each other, they use ultrasound as well as regular sounds. Mice can also use different odors as part of their communication, as well as facial expressions to express their mood
5. Food at hand: Mice need to settle near food because they prefer to feed 15-20 times per day. Mice tend to move no further than 3 – 8 meters to find food
6. Pests: In some respects, mice are considered pests because they can spread diseases and damage crops, homes, etc.
7. Jump, climb and swim: Most mice can jump about 46 cm into the air. They can jump 3-4 meters down without injury. They are also extremely good climbers and excellent swimmers (read more about this in our FAQ section at the bottom of this page)
8. The name of the mice: The word ‘mouse’ is derived from the 4000-year-old Sanskrit word ‘mūṣaka’, meaning “thief” or “steal”
9. Fear: When mice get scared, they usually run away. When they get really scared or feel very threatened, they play dead until the danger has passed
10. Cleanliness: Mice are very clean and organized. In their nest, for example, they have separate areas where they store food, go to the bathroom and sleep. Mice living in a cage organize themselves in the same way

Fakta: Den mest almindelige museart er husmusen (Mus musculus), som findes i stort set alle lande, hvor den lever i menneskers huse

 

More facts about mice

• Gender maturity: Mice mate throughout the year and are capable of mating from as young as 2 months old
• Litters: A female mouse can have 5 – 10 litters per year. Each litter consists of 8 – 14 young
• Baby mice: Newborn baby mice are hairless with closed eyes and ears
• Balance: Mice have a very well-developed sense of balance and can walk on very thin ropes, wires, etc.
• Social animals: Mice are highly social animals that thrive best if they live with at least one other mouse
• Mouse clone: The first time a mouse was cloned was in 1997. It lived for 2 years and 7 months
• Animal feed: Mice are an important part of the diet of many small predators. Many bird and reptile owners feed mice to their pets
• Food: Mice have been a human food since prehistoric times. The only places in the world where humans still eat mice as part of their daily diet are in the southern African countries of Zambia and Malawi
• Lifespan: Mice living in the wild rarely live more than 1 year due to harsh conditions. In protected environments, however, they often live up to 2 or 3 years. The record for longest lifespan is 4 years and 358 days for a genetically modified mouse and 4 years and 90 days for a mouse without genetic modifications. The latter lived in a protected environment but received no special food or medical treatment

Newborn baby mice are hairless and have closed eyes and ears

 

Frequently asked questions about mice

Common Questions About Mice

Can mice swim?
Yes, mice are excellent swimmers. They can paddle through water for long periods, and some have been known to swim up to half a mile. However, they generally avoid water unless they need to escape or find food.

Can mice climb walls?
Mice are incredible climbers, especially when it comes to rough or porous surfaces. They use their claws and strong hind legs to scale vertical walls, especially brick, wood, or other textured materials.

Can mice jump?
Yes, mice can jump impressively high for their size—up to 12 inches vertically. This allows them to leap onto countertops, shelves, and other elevated areas.

Can mice climb stairs?
Mice can easily climb stairs. Their small size and agility allow them to run up and down stairs without difficulty, which means they can navigate most multi-level homes.

Can mice see in the dark?
Mice have poor eyesight and are colorblind. While they cannot see in the dark, they have an acute sense of smell, touch, and hearing, which allows them to navigate in low-light conditions with ease.

Can mice have rabies?
It is very rare for mice to contract rabies. They are not common carriers of the virus, and their bites usually do not transmit it. However, it’s always best to seek medical advice if bitten by a wild mouse.

Can mice and rats breed?
No, mice and rats cannot interbreed. They are different species with distinct genetic differences, so mating between the two would not result in offspring.

Can mice attack humans/bite you?
While mice are generally timid and prefer to avoid humans, they will bite if they feel threatened or cornered. Their bites can be painful and may lead to infections, but mice do not actively attack humans.

Can mice avoid traps?
Yes, mice are intelligent creatures and may avoid traps, especially if they have seen other mice fall victim to them. They are naturally cautious, so traps need to be placed strategically and baited carefully.

Can mice be black?
Yes, mice can be black, gray, white, or brown, depending on the species. The most common black mouse is the “house mouse,” though some may have darker fur than others.

Can mice burp?
No, mice are unable to burp or vomit. Their digestive system is not built to allow them to regurgitate food, making them more susceptible to poison-based pest control methods.

Can mice bring fleas?
Yes, mice can carry fleas into your home. Fleas use rodents as hosts, and a mouse infestation can lead to a flea infestation, which can spread to pets and humans.

Can mice bite through plastic and metal?
Mice can chew through many materials, including soft plastic, wood, and even thin metal. Their sharp teeth can gnaw through barriers as they search for food or create nesting sites.

Can mice find their way back to your house/home?
Yes, mice have a strong sense of direction and can navigate back to your home if they’ve found it to be a reliable food source. They use scent markers and memory to retrace their steps.

Can mice flatten themselves?
Yes, mice have flexible bodies that allow them to squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch. They can flatten themselves to fit through tiny gaps, making it difficult to keep them out.

 

Where and How Mice Can Live

Can mice live alone?
Yes, mice can live alone, but they are social creatures and tend to thrive in groups. In the wild or in infestations, mice typically live in colonies. A solitary mouse may still survive, but it would prefer the company of other mice for warmth and companionship.

Can mice and rats live together?
No, mice and rats generally do not coexist well. Rats are larger and more aggressive, and they may prey on or attack mice if they encounter each other. In the wild or in close quarters, rats typically dominate and outcompete mice for food and shelter.

Can mice and hamsters live together?
No, it is not advisable to house mice and hamsters together. Hamsters are territorial and may become aggressive toward mice. While both are rodents, they have different social structures and can become stressed or hostile when placed in the same environment.

Can mice live in couches?
Yes, mice can live inside couches. They can burrow into the fabric, stuffing, and frame to create nests. A couch provides warmth, shelter, and sometimes access to food crumbs, making it an ideal hiding spot for them.

Can mice live in stoves?
Yes, mice can live in stoves, particularly inside the insulation or behind the appliance. They are attracted to the warmth and may chew through wires or use leftover food debris as a source of nourishment.

Can mice live in air vents?
Yes, mice can live in air vents, especially if the vent system provides access to the walls or attic. They can travel through these spaces, using them as pathways between different parts of the house.

Can mice live without water?
Mice need water to survive, but they get most of their hydration from the food they eat. They can survive for short periods without direct access to water, as long as their diet provides sufficient moisture. However, long-term deprivation of water would be fatal.

Can mice live in a hot attic?
Yes, mice can live in a hot attic, though extreme heat may drive them to cooler areas of the house. They prefer dark, hidden spaces for nesting, and an attic often provides these conditions along with insulation materials they can use to build nests.

Can mice live in walls?
Yes, mice commonly live inside walls. They can squeeze through tiny cracks or holes to enter wall cavities, where they build nests, store food, and travel between different areas of a home. Walls provide shelter, safety, and concealment from predators.

 

What Can Mice Eat?

Can mice eat chocolate?
Yes, mice can eat chocolate, and they are often attracted to it due to its sweet smell. However, chocolate contains theobromine, which can be toxic to mice in large quantities. It’s not recommended as a regular food for them.

Can mice eat cheese?
Yes, mice can eat cheese, but it’s not their favorite food, contrary to popular belief. While they may nibble on it, they usually prefer grains, seeds, and sugary foods. Cheese can be included in their diet in moderation.

Can mice eat grapes?
Yes, mice can eat grapes, but in small amounts. Grapes are high in sugar, which can be harmful if fed excessively. Offering grapes as an occasional treat is fine, but it should not be a primary part of their diet.

Can mice eat strawberries?
Yes, mice can eat strawberries. They enjoy fruits, and strawberries provide a healthy, natural treat that is rich in vitamins. However, strawberries should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Can mice eat tomatoes?
Yes, mice can eat tomatoes, though they should be offered sparingly. Tomatoes are acidic and can upset a mouse’s stomach if consumed in large amounts. Mice are more likely to enjoy the flesh of the tomato rather than the seeds or skin.

Can mice eat carrots?
Yes, mice can eat carrots. They are a healthy snack full of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A. Carrots can be a regular part of a mouse’s diet in small, manageable pieces.

Can mice eat apples?
Yes, mice can eat apples, but they should avoid the seeds, which contain small amounts of cyanide. Apples can be a nutritious treat for mice when sliced into small pieces, providing natural sugars and fiber.

Can mice eat bananas?
Yes, mice can eat bananas. They enjoy the sweetness, and bananas provide potassium and fiber. However, bananas are high in sugar, so they should be given as an occasional treat rather than a staple food.

Can mice eat hamster food?
Yes, mice can eat hamster food, as it is typically made from grains, seeds, and pellets similar to a mouse’s natural diet. However, mice have slightly different nutritional needs, so it’s better to offer them food specifically formulated for mice. Hamster food can be used as a supplement in moderation.