Objective To design a mouse device based on surface EMG signals of the temporalis for people who suffered with paraplegia, upper limb disability or impaired hand function to be able to operate the mouse. Methods A control method for mouse operation based on surface EMG was presented. Through analysis and test, facial surface EMG signals of the temporalis were selected as the control signal and with the bite as a trigger action. EMG signals with different characteristics could be generated from the temporalis muscle according to different bite actions, and thus a mouse device controlled by the facial surface EMG signals from the temporalis was designed. Results The test proved that by using the device, subjects could control the mouse by a simple bite action. Conclusions The control method for mouse operation based on surface EMG is feasible，and the mouse device designed according to this method is valuable in practical application.