Deer Mouse in Houston TX
Peromyscus maniculatus — Hantavirus Carrier
Deer mice are the primary carrier of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. While more common in rural and wooded areas, deer mice do enter Houston-area homes in Harris and surrounding counties, particularly in properties near parks and bayou greenways.
Identification
Deer mice are 5–8 inches long (including tail), with bi-colored tails (dark above, white below), large eyes, and white feet. Unlike house mice, they have a distinctly white belly.
Hantavirus Risk
Deer mice carry Sin Nombre hantavirus. Do NOT disturb any deer mouse droppings without wearing an N95 respirator and wetting the area first with disinfectant. See our hantavirus guide →
Control Method
Safe trapping with appropriate PPE, hantavirus-safe cleanup protocol, and full exclusion sealing. We treat all deer mouse jobs with elevated health precautions.