House mouse  (Mus musculus)

Range

It is thought that the house mouse originated on the steppes of central Asia and possibly the Mediterranean area. It is now found around the world as a result of introduction by humans. It is known that the species has been present in Britain since at least the Iron Age, as remains have been found in deposits dating from this period. At present, the species is found throughout Britain and Ireland where there are human settlements (3).

Habitat

As a commensal species, the house mouse lives in close association with humans (4). In addition to houses, it has been found in a range of urban situations, including shops, mills, warehouses, factories, coal mines and even cold stores. In rural areas it occurs in farm buildings, rubbish tips, piggeries, poultry houses, granaries and open fields (3). They nest in woodpiles, beneath floors, behind rafters and in other concealed locations. In the wild state, the house mouse lives in crevices in rocks or in underground burrows (4).

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