Eek, you just saw a mouse in your house! Once you get over the initial shudder of disgust, you probably hopped online to see how to get rid of them. The first step in getting rid of mice in your home is to identify the mouse species.
In Maryland, there are two common types of mice:
- House Mice
- The most common indoor rodent, found year-round in homes, apartments, & businesses.
- 60-70% of mouse infestations in the Baltimore Metro Area
- Deer Mice (White-Footed Mice, Field Mice)
- Common outdoors, but will invade homes in winter seeking warmth.
- 30-40% of mouse infestations in the Baltimore Metro Area
Surprisingly, there are significant differences between house mice and deer mice that affect how you get rid of them and protect yourself from the dangers they carry.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to identify the difference between house mice and deer mice and how to prevent them from getting into your home.
👉 Not sure if you have a rodent problem? Check out Signs There Are Mice in Your Home.
How to Tell the Difference Between House Mice & White-Footed Mice
Acting quickly is key if you’ve spotted a mouse in your Maryland home. But before you set a trap, you need to know what kind of mouse is it, is it a house mouse or a deer mouse, and how do I get rid of it.
A pointy nose, beady eyes, a tail, and big round ears are probably what you picture when you think of a mouse. However, not all mice are the same, and correctly identifying which mouse species you’re dealing with is crucial for effective control.
“Downtown metro areas experience constant, year-round pressure from house mice. Meanwhile, suburban areas often see a rise in white-footed mice (a close relative of deer mice), which thrive in wooded patches and near bird feeders,” says Levi Brody, President of Brody Brothers Pest Control and an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) with over 25 years of experience in the family business.
House Mice vs. Deer Mice: A Quick Comparison
1. House Mice
- Color & Markings: Gray or brown fur, uniform color.
- Size: 2.5 to 3.9 inches in body length (not including tail).
- Tail: Covered in fine hairs, matches body color.
- Eyes & Ears: Small, dark, and beady; small ears.
- Where They Live: Inside year-round, nesting in walls, attics, basements, and near food sources.
- Activity: Nocturnal (active at night).
- Health Risks: Salmonella, allergies, asthma.
- Dropping Appearance: Small, dark, rod-shaped (like grains of rice).
- Breeding Potential: 42-60 pups per year—they can quickly take over an area.
- 📍 Common in: Urban & suburban Maryland, including Baltimore, Rockville, Towson, and Columbia.
When you think of a mouse scurrying across your kitchen counters, scrounging for food, you probably picture a house mouse.
House mice typically have brown or gray fur. While it’s rare, there are some black house mice out there. They also have small, black, beady eyes. They are fairly small, growing no more than five inches in length, including the tail.
One defining characteristic of house mice is the hair growing on their tails.
House mice like to try different things and will nibble on any food they can find, even chewing through packaging to get to what’s inside.
🔎 “House mice are the most problematic rodents in Maryland, often outbreeding common control methods. Meanwhile, white-footed mice thrive in suburban areas, especially near wooded patches, overgrown vegetation, and bird feeders,” explains Levi Brody, President of Brody Brothers Pest Control and Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE).
2. Deer Mice, a.k.a. White-Footed Mice, Field Mice
- Color & Markings: Brown fur with a white belly and feet.
- Size: 3.5 to 4 inches in body length (tail adds another 2-4 inches).
- Tail: Hairless and two-toned (dark on top, white underneath).
- Eyes & Ears: Larger, rounder eyes; larger ears.
- Where They Live: Outdoor structures (sheds, garages, old squirrel nests), wooded areas, and suburban homes near Patapsco Valley & Gunpowder Falls.
- Activity: Crepuscular (dusk & dawn) and sometimes nocturnal.
- Health Risks: Hantavirus, Lyme disease (via ticks).
- Dropping Appearance: Larger than house mouse droppings, cylindrical or pellet-shaped.
- Breeding Potential: 12-26 pups per year—lower than house mice but still persistent.
- 📍 Common in: Suburban & rural Maryland, especially near wooded parks, fields, and pastures. A good rule to remember is if you see deer in the area, there are most likely deer mice scurrying around.
While deer mice look very similar to house mice, there are a few significant differences. For instance, their fur is typically brown or dark gray on their heads and backs. However, it’s white on their bellies and legs. They also have much larger eyes and bigger, rounder ears than house mice. Let’s not forget that they can grow up to seven inches in length, including their hairless tail.
Unlike house mice, deer mice will gather and store the food they find. So, you won’t see bite marks in your food but could notice food missing altogether. This is important when you want to get rid of deer mice in your house. Rather than setting out bait that will exterminate mice when they eat it, set out traps instead. While meant for multiple mice, a poisoned bait will usually only exterminate one deer mouse because it carries it with them.
🔎 “The increase in white-footed mice in suburban areas can be attributed to urban planning. In large forested areas, there are mature trees with little underbrush and predators, while suburban areas often feature small patches of woods—typically along power lines or fiber optics—with heavy underbrush. Neighbors may also dispose of yard debris in these areas, creating safe havens for white-footed mice and making it nearly impossible for predators to access them. Additionally, on a more localized scale, a neighbor with a bird feeder can significantly boost the white-footed mouse population,” explains Levi Brody.
Where Do House Mice and Deer Mice Live in Maryland?
Maryland’s diverse landscape provides habitats for both house mice and deer mice. Understanding where they’re commonly found can help you assess your risk.
House Mouse Habitat
House mice are prevalent in urban and suburban environments throughout Maryland. They thrive near humans and are commonly found:
- Indoors year-round, especially in densely populated areas like Baltimore City, Rockville, and other metro areas.
- Nests concealed in walls, attics, basements, and storage spaces.
- Found indoors year-round, especially in Baltimore, Rockville, & metro areas
- Prefer homes, offices, and businesses where food sources are readily available.
Deer Mouse / White-Footed Mouse Habitat
Deer mice are more common in the less densely populated areas of Maryland. You’re more likely to encounter them:
- Often found in barns, sheds, garages, & cluttered outdoor areas
- More active in fall & winter, entering homes for warmth and shelter
- Common in suburban and rural areas, particularly near wooded areas like Patapsco Valley State Park and Gunpowder Falls State Park.
- In cluttered outdoor areas and underbrush.
📌 Expert Insight from Levi Brody:
“Suburban development has unintentionally helped white-footed mice thrive. Yard debris, small wooded patches—typically along power lines or fiber optics—and bird feeders create the perfect environment for them to survive and flourish,” says Levi Brody.
The Dangers of House Mice & Deer Mice
Sure, mice can be pretty cute, especially when they’re found in a pet store. However, wild house and deer mice pose lethal dangers if they come into your home uninvited.
For example, they can both chew furniture and electrical wires in your home. Damaged wires could lead to a house fire threatening you, your family, and all your belongings.
House Mice Risks
- Salmonella contamination in food & cooking areas
- Trigger allergies & asthma (common in kids & sensitive individuals)
- Chew electrical wiring and insulation, increasing the risk of house fires (EPA: 25% of “unknown fires” are rodent-related)
- Can bring lice and fleas into your home
Deer Mice Risks
- Carry & transmit Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can be deadly.
- Spread Lyme disease (via infected ticks).
- Hoards food, making infestations harder to detect.
🚨 Hantavirus Safety Warning 🚨
Hantavirus is a serious concern; proper precautions are essential when dealing with deer mice.
DO NOT sweep or vacuum mouse droppings, urine, or nesting materials—this can release virus particles into the air and increase the risk of inhalation.
Instead, if you suspect deer mice:
- Ventilate the area.
- Thoroughly soak contaminated materials with a disinfectant solution.
- Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning.
- Carefully collect the disinfected materials with damp paper towels or a sponge.
- Seal the waste in double plastic bags.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after disposal.
“The biggest concern with deer mice is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. People don’t realize that sweeping up contaminated mouse droppings can send airborne particles into their lungs. If you suspect deer mice in your home, avoid cleaning up droppings yourself—call a professional,” says Levi Brody.
For more detailed information, please refer to the CDC’s Guide to Hantavirus Prevention.
How to Prevent House Mice and Deer Mice From Your Maryland Home
Prevention is key to avoiding mouse infestations. Here are effective strategies to keep both house mice and deer mice out of your Maryland home.
🔗 Ways to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Home
1. Seal Entry Points
Mice are incredibly sly and adept at squeezing through holes as small as a dime!
- Seal gaps around doors, pipes, foundation cracks, & attic vents using steel wool & caulk.
- Inspect your home’s exterior carefully, looking for any gaps or cracks. Mice can enter through holes as small as a dime!
- Pay attention to the roofline and soffits. Deer mice are excellent climbers.
A few years ago in Towson, we encountered a very difficult mouse infestation. The mouse was leaving droppings in a linen closet and was not interacting with any control devices. After several visits, we discovered that one of the basement’s wooden window frames was partially covered by a concrete window well, allowing the mouse to gain access through a barely visible crack. Once we performed exclusion at that spot, control became much easier. Sometimes, finding the opening can be very challenging,” shares Levi Brody.
📌 Related Read: Need help blocking entry points? See How Do Mice Get in Your House?
2. Eliminate Food Sources
Mice are attracted to homes with readily available food.
- Store pantry food, pet food, and birdseed in airtight containers.
- Secure garbage bins & compost piles to avoid attracting rodents.
- Don’t leave food out on the counters and Clean up crumbs & spills immediately
3. Eliminate Hiding and Nesting Areas
Mice need safe places to hide and build their nests.
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevated off the ground.
- Trim overgrown bushes and tree branches that touch your home.
- Declutter garages, basements, and attics. Mice commonly nest in cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, paper piles, and stored clothing.
- Trim vegetation at least 3 feet from your foundation.
4. Avoid Clutter
- Don’t leave clothes in a pile on the floor.
- Throw out piles of paper.
- Keep things tidied up.
- Avoid clutter around the house and garage.
- Throw out trash.
5. Get a Cat 🐱
One of the best natural mouse deterrents is owning a cat! Not only are they lovable and cuddly pets, but they can also scare off and exterminate any mice that invade your home.
- Cats are natural hunters and can reduce rodent activity.
- Even their scent alone can deter mice from nesting in your home.
📌 Pro Tip: If you can’t get a cat, consider placing predator urine deterrents near problem areas.
“Exclusion is the most effective strategy. Once rodents have gained entry—especially if they have established a breeding population—they become very difficult to control. While many homeowners try traps or baits, proper rodent exclusion is almost always the best long-term solution,” says Levi Brody.
With these simple tips, you can greatly decrease your chances of mice!
FAQ: Your Maryland Mouse Questions Answered
💬 Are house mice or deer mice more dangerous?
👉 Deer mice carry Hantavirus and Lyme disease, making them potentially more dangerous than house mice.
💬 What’s the best way to get rid of mice permanently?
👉 Exclusion work is the best long-term solution. Traps and baits can help, but if mice can still get inside, they’ll keep coming back.
💬 I live in a wooded area—should I be concerned about deer mice?
👉 Yes. Suburban and rural Maryland homes are at higher risk for deer mice, especially if you have nearby brush, woodpiles, or bird feeders.
💬 Can mice chew through walls?
👉 Yes! House mice can chew through drywall, insulation, and even electrical wiring.
💬 How do I know if I have a mouse infestation?
👉 Common signs include droppings, gnaw marks, shredded nesting materials, a musky odor, and seeing mice themselves.
💬 When are mice most active?
👉 House mice are primarily nocturnal (active at night), while deer mice are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and sometimes nocturnal.
💬 What should I do if I find mouse droppings?
👉 Do not sweep or vacuum them. Spray the droppings with a disinfectant solution, wear gloves and a mask, and carefully wipe them up with damp paper towels. Seal the waste in plastic bags and dispose of them properly.
💬 Can mice transmit diseases to my pets?
👉 Yes, mice can carry diseases that can be transmitted to pets, such as Salmonella and Lyme disease (via ticks).
💬 What are natural ways to deter mice?
👉 Keeping a cat, using peppermint oil, and placing bay leaves where mice are likely to frequent can help deter them.
💬 How can I tell if mice are getting into my house through the foundation?
👉 Look for small cracks or holes in the foundation, gnaw marks, and signs of nesting materials near the foundation.
💬 Are there any plants that repel mice?
👉 Some plants, such as peppermint, lavender, and daffodils, are believed to repel mice due to their strong scents.
💬 How often should I have my home inspected for mice?
👉 It’s recommended to have your home inspected annually, especially if you live in an area prone to mouse infestations.
💬 Can mice survive in cold weather?
👉 Yes, mice can survive in cold weather by seeking shelter indoors and building nests in warm, concealed areas.
💬 What is the best bait for mouse traps?
👉 Peanut butter, chocolate, and nesting materials are effective baits for mouse traps.
💬 Do mice prefer certain types of food?
👉 Mice are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods, including grains, fruits, vegetables, and seeds.
💬 How do I know if a mouse infestation is gone?
👉 Signs that a mouse infestation is gone include the absence of droppings, gnaw marks, and sightings of mice.
💬 What should I do if I find a dead mouse in my home?
👉 Wear gloves and a mask, spray the dead mouse with a disinfectant solution, carefully place it in a sealed plastic bag, and dispose of it. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
💬 Can mice damage my garden?
👉 Yes, mice can damage gardens by eating fruits, vegetables, and seeds.
💬 How can I prevent mice from getting into my garage?
👉 Seal all gaps and cracks near the garage door and walls, store food in airtight containers, and declutter the space.
💬 Are there any specific areas in Maryland where mouse infestations are more common?
👉 Mouse infestations are common throughout Maryland, but areas near wooded areas, parks, and agricultural lands are at higher risk for deer mice. Urban areas are more prone to house mouse infestations.
Don’t Let Mice Take Over Your Maryland Home! Call Brody Brothers Pest Control Today!
A mouse infestation can quickly escalate to property damage and health risks to your family. Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Got a Mice Problem? Call Brody Brothers Pest Control
Of course, the best way to deal with a mice problem in your Baltimore home is to call Brody Brothers Pest Control.
As the area’s leading pest control service, we will exterminate the mice scurrying around your home and posing threats to your belongings and your health. We’ll identify the type of mouse and get rid of it effectively and quickly.
Contact us today for a consultation on how we can help solve your mice problem!
Why Choose Brody Brothers Pest Control?
- 40+ Years of Experience: We’ve been protecting Maryland homes since 1984.
- Local Expertise: As a family-owned business, we understand the unique pest challenges in Maryland.
- Highly Trained Technicians: Our technicians undergo 320+ hours of rigorous training, ensuring they are experts at both pest control and customer service.
- Environmentally Responsible: We use the highest quality, environmentally responsible products.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our services and are committed to your satisfaction.
- Family-Owned and Community-Focused: We treat every customer like a neighbor and are deeply involved in our community, supporting local initiatives and building long-term relationships with our neighbors.
- Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) on Staff: Levi Brody, President of Brody Brothers, earned his ACE certificate from the Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation (ESA) in 2018.
- We Don’t Just Remove Mice—We Prevent Them from Coming Back: We use the highest quality pest control baits and traps, providing longer-lasting and more effective results than our competitors. We research and personally test each product we use to ensure safety, quality, and lasting effectiveness with minimal human & environmental impact.
- QualityPro Accredited: We adhere to the highest industry standards and best practices.
We’re Here to Help!
At Brody Brothers Pest Control, we’re committed to protecting your family and home. Let us take care of your mouse problems so you can enjoy a pest-free environment.
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