House Mouse Identification Melbourne
Identify house mice in Melbourne homes — appearance, behaviour, and control advice.
House Mouse in Melbourne — Quick Answer
The house mouse is the most common rodent pest in Melbourne homes. These small, grey-brown mice measure 6–9 cm in body length with large ears and a long, thin tail. They are nocturnal, breed rapidly, and contaminate food with droppings. If you see droppings, gnaw marks, or hear scratching at night, contact T47 Pest Control for fast, effective mouse removal.
How to Identify House Mouse
Size
6–9 cm body length; 7–10 cm tail
Colour
Grey-brown upper body, lighter underside
Behaviour
Nocturnal, curious, excellent climbers; breeds rapidly with 5–10 litters per year
Habitat
Wall cavities, roof voids, kitchen pantries, garages, sheds
Look-Alikes & Confusion Notes
Often confused with juvenile rats. House mice have proportionally larger ears and thinner tails compared to young Norway or roof rats. A field mouse is similar in size but typically has a more orange-brown coat.
Risk & Urgency
Moderate to high. House mice contaminate food, damage wiring and insulation, and breed rapidly. A small problem can become a major infestation within weeks. Act promptly when signs appear.
Where Found in Melbourne
House mice are found throughout Melbourne, from inner-city apartments to outer suburban homes. They thrive wherever food and shelter are accessible, particularly during colder months when they seek warmth indoors.
What to Do Now
Seal food in airtight containers, block entry points around pipes and doors with steel wool, and remove clutter. For active infestations, professional baiting and trapping by T47 Pest Control is the most effective solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I have house mice?
- Look for small, dark droppings (4–7 mm), gnaw marks on food packaging, greasy rub marks along walls, and scratching sounds at night. Nests made from shredded paper or fabric are another clear sign.
- Are house mice dangerous?
- House mice contaminate food and surfaces with urine and droppings, potentially spreading salmonella and other pathogens. They also gnaw electrical wiring, creating a fire risk.
- How quickly can mice infest a home?
- A single pair of mice can produce 50–60 offspring in a year. Without intervention, a small problem can escalate to a major infestation within 2–3 months.