Identification
Size: Adults have a head and body length of 8-10 cm, similar to a House Mouse. The tail is also of a similar length, typically 7-9 cm.
Color: The fur is a warm sandy or yellowish-brown on the back and flanks, with a contrasting white or greyish-white underbelly. There is often a small yellow-brown streak or spot on the chest.
Biology & Lifecycle
In its native range, breeding occurs from spring to autumn. The gestation period is approximately 25 days. Litters usually consist of 4-7 pups. Females can have several litters during the breeding season.
Lifecycle Details
In its native habitat, the lifespan is short, typically less than a year due to high predation rates. Sexual maturity is reached at around two months of age.
Habitat & Distribution
- Woodlands, hedgerows, and forests (its primary habitat).
- Fields, grasslands, and arable farmland.
- Suburban gardens and parks.
- It is less 'commensal' (dependent on humans) than the House Mouse but will enter rural buildings, sheds, and garages, especially in autumn.
- Found across its native range in Europe and North Africa.
Distribution Patterns
Not applicable. This species is not found in any Australian state or territory.
Behavior & Diet
Strictly nocturnal. It is very active at night, foraging for food on the ground.
Dietary Preferences
Omnivorous, but with a strong preference for seeds.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
- Not applicable in Australia. In its native range in Europe, it can be a vector for pathogens such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease (via ticks), Leptospirosis, and certain Hantaviruses. However, as it is not present in Australia, it poses no health risk to the Australian public.
Economic Impact
Professional Treatment: Not applicable in Australia.
Prevention Costs: Not applicable in Australia.
DIY Treatment: Not applicable in Australia.
Structural Damage: Not applicable in Australia. In Europe, it can cause damage by gnawing and burrowing.
Food Contamination: Not applicable in Australia.
Equipment Damage: Not applicable in Australia.
Restaurant Issues: No impact in Australia.
Retail Impact: No impact in Australia.
Reputation Damage: No impact in Australia.
Detection & Signs
- Status: Not found in Australia.
- Large hind feet adapted for jumping.
- Sandy or yellowish-brown fur with a distinct white belly.
- Large, prominent eyes and ears.
- Habitat: Primarily a woodland and field species in its native Europe.
Prevention
- Not applicable as this species is not a pest in Australia. Standard hygiene practices to prevent established pests like the House Mouse are recommended.
- Not applicable. Australia's national biosecurity system is the primary 'exclusion method' that prevents this species from entering the country.
- Not applicable.
Control Methods
Chemical Control: Not applicable in Australia.
Physical Control: Not applicable in Australia.
Integrated Approach: Not applicable in Australia.
Mechanical Control: Not applicable.
Natural Remedies: Not applicable.
Professional Services
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Not applicable in Australia.
Not applicable in Australia.
Not applicable in Australia.
Not applicable in Australia.
Not applicable in Australia.
Legal Considerations
Professional pest control operators must be licensed and comply with relevant regulations regarding mouse control treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Field Mouse the same as the mouse in my house in Australia?
No, they are different species. The mouse you would find in your house in Australia is the introduced House Mouse (*Mus musculus*). The Field Mouse, or Wood Mouse (*Apodemus sylvaticus*), is a species native to Europe and is not found in Australia. While they look somewhat similar, the House Mouse is typically greyish-brown with a uniformly coloured tail, whereas the Field Mouse is a warmer, sandy-brown with a white belly and larger hind feet. The most important fact is their location: if you have a mouse problem in Australia, it is not caused by the Field Mouse.
Is the Field Mouse dangerous to humans in Australia?
The Field Mouse poses zero danger to humans in Australia for the simple reason that it does not live here. In its native range in Europe, it can be a carrier of certain pathogens, but this has no relevance to Australian public health. All health risks associated with rodents in Australia come from species that are actually present, such as the House Mouse and rats, which can transmit diseases like Salmonellosis and Leptospirosis. There is no need for any concern about health risks from the Field Mouse in Australia.
Do I need to do pest control for the Field Mouse in Australia?
No, you do not need to do any pest control for the Field Mouse in Australia. Since the species is not established on the continent, it is not a pest here. Any rodent control efforts in Australia should be targeted at confirmed pest species like the House Mouse (*Mus musculus*) or rats (*Rattus* spp.). It is vital to correctly identify a pest before acting, and in Australia, the Field Mouse can be completely ruled out. If you suspect you have seen an unusual, non-native animal, you should report it to biosecurity authorities, not attempt to control it yourself.
Why is there information about a non-Australian mouse on a pest control site?
Information about the Field Mouse is included for clarification and to prevent misidentification. People may see images or read descriptions of this mouse from European or international sources and wonder if it is the same animal they are seeing in their Australian garden or home. This page serves to confirm that *Apodemus sylvaticus* is not in Australia and to highlight the key differences between it and the pests that are a genuine concern here, like the House Mouse. This helps property owners focus their identification and control efforts on the correct species and avoid confusion.
What would happen if the Field Mouse got into Australia?
The introduction of the Field Mouse into Australia would be a major biosecurity concern. As an invasive species, it could have a devastating impact on native ecosystems by competing with native rodents for food and habitat. It could also prey on native insects and plants. Furthermore, it would likely become a significant agricultural pest, damaging crops and stored grain, similar to how it behaves in its native Europe. It could also introduce new diseases that could affect native wildlife, livestock, and potentially humans. This is why Australia has such strict biosecurity measures in place to prevent exotic species like the Field Mouse from ever becoming established.
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Image Gallery
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