How Mice Communicate and Why It Matters

Every animal has a way to communicate with its species – even small mice! Mice are social creatures with a semi-complex societal hierarchy. Mice are only able to organize such structures by having stable modes of communication.

So, how do mice communicate; and what does it mean if you are dealing with a mice infestation in your home?

Long Range VS Short Range Communication

Short-range communication is used for communicating with mice nearby, usually for survival purposes. Long-range communication is used to contact mice who are far away, used for social and reproductive purposes.

Mice utilize long-range communication through sounds and scents. Chances are, you won’t be able to hear their communication, as mice use ultrasonic vocalizations, which are too high-pitched for the human ear to catch.

Mice also use scents, such as pheromones, to attract mates.  Mice release pheromones by urinating in their territory. Some urine is meant to attract mates, while others are meant to mark their territory.

To a human, there is no difference. It’s all mouse urine that can cause issues by degrading surfaces in the home. If you have a mouse problem, it’s almost guaranteed they have urinated wherever they are hiding out.

When close to each other, mice communicate primarily by touch and taste. They may sniff each other, share food, and gather information about each other based on their scents.

Body Language

Apart from scents, sounds, and taste – mice have a fourth communication tool in their toolbelt: body language. Mice have long tails that tell a lot about their emotional state, like dogs.

When a mouse rattles its tail, it’s usually a sign of aggression or protection. Watching a mouse’s body language, particularly its tail, can help exterminators decide how to approach a mouse for the best chance of retrieving it.

Why Mice Communication Matters

When it comes to a mouse infestation, every bit of knowledge about how mice communicate can help eradicate the colony for good.

Given their ability to communicate long-range, mice can easily ‘invite’ far-away groups of mice to come to live in their new home. Knowing that mice communicate through scents, such as urination, is important too. It allows exterminators to expect and look for any urine damage to determine where a group of mice has been.

Overall, understanding the communication style of mice can add more precision when getting rid of an unwanted colony of mice. Contact Mice Mob Exterminators if you need any help!