This familiar small rodent likely originated in central Eurasia, arriving in North America in the baggage and stores of the early European settlers. It has spread to all of the continents except Antarctica and many of the oceanic islands. It lives as a very successful human commensal.

The average body length of adult males is 1.72 cm (6 to 7 in.). The average tail length is an additional 50%.

Primarily nocturnal in activity, their food consists of grains, fruit and vegetables, stored food and refuse. House mice are prolific breeders: they reach sexual maturity at 35 days, and have several 21-day pregnancies per year, producing 4 to 7 offspring per litter. The predations of cats, dogs, snakes, hawks, owls, weasels, opossums, skunks, raccoons and foxes help to control their numbers.