They are generally grayish-brown with a gray or buff belly. Native to central Asia, this species arrived in North America along with settlers from Europe and other points of origin. Following their arrival on colonists ships, house mice spread across North America and now are found in every state including coastal areas of Alaska, and in the southern parts of Canada. The onset of cold weather each fall in temperate regions is said to cause mice to move into structures in search of shelter and food.
House mice eat many types of food but prefer seeds and grain.
Foods high in fat, protein, or sugar may be preferred even when grain and seed also are present. Such items include bacon, chocolate candies, butter and nutmeats. Unlike Norway and roof rats, they can get by with little or no free water, although they readily drink water when it is available. They obtain their water needs from the food they eat. An absence of liquid water or food of adequate moisture content in their environment may reduce their breeding potential.