House mice consume and contaminate food meant for humans, pets, livestock, or other animals. In addition, they cause considerable damage to structures and property, and they can transmit pathogens that cause diseases such as salmonellosis, a form of food poisoning. House mice have not been found to be carriers of the deadly hantavirus. Mouse nests are made from fine shredded paper or other fibrous material, usually in sheltered locations. House mice have a characteristic musky odor that identifies their presence.
Mice are active mostly at night, but they can be seen occasionally during daylight hours.
While the house mouse has not been found to be a carrier of hantavirus, other mice have. The other two species have a white underside with a distinct line of demarcation between the dark coloration on top and the white underside. In addition, the tail on the house mouse has almost no fur on it whereas the tails of the deer mouse and the white-footed mouse are moderately to well furred and are light underneath and dark on top. Mice have keen senses of taste, hearing, smell, and touch. They are excellent climbers and can run up any rough vertical surface.