Mice can be a major problem for businesses and homeowners alike. They can cause severe damage to property and contaminate food sources. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also cause extensive damage. But how do these small rodents multiply so quickly? We’ll take a closer look at the life cycle and mating habits of mice for you to understand mice control.
The House Mouse and Its Habits
Mice are small rodents that belong to the family Muridae, which is the largest of the rodent families and includes mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters and voles. There are more than two thousand species of mice in the world. The house mouse is the most common type of mouse found in homes and businesses.
They tend to be nocturnal creatures and so they are most active at night. During the day, mice typically hide in dark and secluded places, making mice control very difficult.
Mice can easily spread illness and disease throughout your house, affecting you as well as your family’s health. Mice also produce feces and droppings that may contaminate your food and harm not just yourself, but also other people in your household.
Mice are attracted to food sources and will venture into homes and other buildings in search of food. Once inside, mice control will be difficult, as they will begin to multiply quickly.
Mice Have High Reproduction Rates
Mice are known for their high reproductive rates. A female mouse can give birth to up to twelve babies at a time. These small rodents reproduce quickly and can have up to ten litters per year. This means that a single pair of mice can produce hundreds of offspring in a single year. This is why it is so important to call an exterminator company for mice control, before their populations become a problem.
The Life Cycle of a Mouse
The life cycle of a mouse is relatively short. Mice are born, grow up, reproduce and then die. This process can happen in as little as six weeks.
Mating and reproduction are important aspects of the mice’s life cycle, and will be important to understand for mice control. Mice reach sexual maturity at a young age. Females can start reproducing when they are just six weeks old, while males can reproduce when they are eight weeks old.
Typically, mating occurs in the spring and summer months. Following a gestation period of about nineteen days, the female mouse will give birth to a litter of two to twelve babies. The baby mice, or mice pups, are born blind and deaf. They are also completely dependent on their mother for food and shelter.
Mice pups grow quickly. They are typically weaned at around three weeks old. By six weeks old, they are fully grown and ready to start reproducing themselves. If you discover baby mice, contact a professional for mice control services.
Call in the Professionals for Mice Control
As you can see, mice can reproduce very quickly. Mice may be small, but they can cause big problems. Be sure to take steps to control their populations if they become a problem in your home or business. If you have a mice problem, it is best to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to help you get rid of the mice safely and effectively.
DIY mouse traps and other store-bought methods can be effective but seldom eliminate an infestation. Our mouse control experts have the experience, knowledge, and skills to get rid of any mice on your property. For further information, contact us at Prevent Pest Control now!
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