House Mouse (Mus musculus)
The house mouse is one of the most common rodent pests in Kenya and worldwide. Measuring about 3 to 4 inches long, excluding the tail, it has a small, slender body with grayish-brown fur. Its adaptability to human environments makes it a frequent intruder in homes, warehouses, and farms. House mice are omnivorous, consuming grains, seeds, and household scraps. They are prolific breeders, with females producing up to 10 litters annually, each containing 5 to 6 young. Their small size allows them to squeeze through tiny openings, making them difficult to control without professional intervention.
Field Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)
Also known as the wood mouse, the field mouse is commonly found in rural areas of Kenya, particularly in grasslands and agricultural fields. It has a reddish-brown coat with a white underbelly and large, dark eyes. Field mice are slightly larger than house mice, measuring 3.5 to 4 inches long, excluding the tail. They feed primarily on seeds, berries, and insects, often causing damage to crops. These mice are nocturnal and create burrows for nesting, which can undermine soil stability in farmlands.
Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Deer mice are prevalent in Kenya’s forested and grassy regions. Recognizable by their bi-colored fur—brown or gray on top and white underneath—they resemble small deer, hence the name. They measure approximately 3 to 4 inches long, with a tail nearly as long as their body. Deer mice are known carriers of diseases, making them a public health concern. They feed on seeds, nuts, and small insects, often invading stored food supplies in rural homes and granaries.
Spiny Pocket Mouse (Heteromys desmarestianus)
The spiny pocket mouse is less common but present in certain Kenyan ecosystems, particularly in dry, scrubby areas. It has coarse, spiny fur and external cheek pouches for carrying food. Measuring about 4 to 5 inches long, it is slightly larger than the house mouse. These mice are solitary and nocturnal, feeding on seeds, grains, and small plants. Their burrowing habits can disrupt agricultural fields, and they are known to hoard food in their nests, complicating pest control efforts.
African Grass Mouse (Lemniscomys striatus)
The African grass mouse, also called the striped grass mouse, is native to Kenya’s savannas and grasslands. It has a distinctive pattern of light and dark stripes along its back, with a body length of 4 to 6 inches. These mice are agile climbers and feed on grasses, seeds, and small invertebrates. Their presence in agricultural areas can lead to significant crop losses, as they are known to consume young shoots and grains. They build nests in dense vegetation, making them challenging to detect.
Multimammate Mouse (Mastomys natalensis)
The multimammate mouse is a significant pest in Kenya, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Named for the female’s multiple teats, this species is highly reproductive, with litters of up to 12 young. They measure 4 to 6 inches long and have grayish-brown fur. Multimammate mice are opportunistic feeders, consuming grains, vegetables, and even small vertebrates. They are notorious for invading homes and storage facilities, spreading diseases and contaminating food supplies.
Pygmy Mouse (Mus minutoides)
The pygmy mouse is one of the smallest rodent species in Kenya, with a body length of just 2 to 3 inches. Its small size and reddish-brown fur allow it to blend into grassy environments. Pygmy mice are primarily insectivorous but also consume seeds and small plants. They are less likely to invade homes but can become problematic in agricultural settings, where they nibble on crops and create small burrows. Their elusive nature makes them difficult to trap without specialized methods.
Spiny Mouse (Acomys spp.)
Spiny mice are characterized by their stiff, spiny hairs, which provide protection from predators. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, they measure 3 to 5 inches long. These mice are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and small plants. They are nocturnal and prefer rocky terrains or scrublands, where they create nests in crevices. Spiny mice can become a nuisance in rural homes near their habitats, as they seek out stored food and water sources.
Climbing Mouse (Dendromus spp.)
Climbing mice, also known as African climbing mice, are small rodents with a body length of 2.5 to 4 inches. They have long, prehensile tails that aid in climbing vegetation. Found in Kenya’s grasslands and forests, they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. Their ability to climb makes them difficult to control, as they can access elevated storage areas. Climbing mice are less common in urban settings but can damage crops and stored produce in rural areas.
Fat Mouse (Steatomys pratensis)
The fat mouse is named for its stocky build and ability to store fat for survival in harsh conditions. Measuring 4 to 5 inches long, it has a short tail and brownish fur. Found in Kenya’s savannas and semi-arid regions, fat mice feed on seeds, roots, and tubers. They are known for their burrowing habits, which can damage agricultural fields. Their tendency to hoard food in burrows makes them a persistent pest in granaries and storage facilities.