Field Mice vs House Mice

There are many different types of mice in the UK. Only a few are seen as an annoyance, and that’s only when they are getting into your home unwanted. This article looks at field mice vs house mice, two of the main culprits for entering buildings.

As much as I love keeping pet mice, I appreciate how annoying unwanted mice in your home can be. If you are finding signs that mice are getting into your home you will need to do something about it. It’s also very helpful if you know what species of mouse it is getting in.

The two most common species of mouse that will frequent houses and businesses are field mice, and house mice. I will profile both of these in this article to help you understand the differences and identity which type of mice you have.

Field Mice vs House Mice

The Field Mouse – Apodemus Sylvaticus

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but field mice are most commonly found near fields. They prefer to live outdoors in fields, and will only really enter homes in the winter when it’s cold outside.

Food is also a temptation field mice find hard to resist. They will go into barns and storage lots if they smell something edible in them. In my experience its more common for a business to be infested with field mice than a residential property. But it does happen, especially if you live near fields.

Field Mouse Appearance

• Look for yellow streaks on their underside
• Soft brown color and soft fur
• Weigh around 20-25g
• Head-to-body length around 90mm with the tail being another 90mm

Field Mouse Behavior and Food

• Nocturnal, so they will be foraging overnight
• Mostly eat seeds, crops, and vegetables
• Will eat small insects

Field Mouse Life Expectancy

Field mice life expectancy is only a few months due to the amount of predators and dangers they face. They can live upto and around 2 years when kept as pets however.

The House Mouse – Mus Domesticus

House mice also have a very appropriate name. They are much more commonly seen, or at least evidence of them being seen in homes is common. House mice are active all year round. They are more likely to try and find warmth and food in homes during the winter months but you can see them all year round.

I’ve covered the various ways they get into homes. What they can or can’t chew through, and some of the methods you can use to stop them getting in. So let’s take a look at some of the differences of a hose mice to the field mouse covered above.

House Mouse Appearance

• Look for smaller feet and larger eyes than field mice
• Light brown colors
• Weigh around 12-25g
• Head-to-body length around 90mm with the tail being another 90mm

House Mouse Behavior and Food

• Nocturnal, so they will be foraging overnight
• Will eat lots of household foods, particularly cereals
• Will find ways into the home

House Mouse Life Expectancy

Field mice life expectancy is similar to a pet mouse at around 2 years. They face a lot of predators in the wild, and harsh winters reduce the numbers. Not to mention the amount that are trapped by home owners. It’s a tough existence!

The yellow-necked mouse is also found entering homes in some parts of the UK.