How Quickly Do Mice Reproduce?

Group of mice in Aberdeen NC Home - Aberdeen Exterminating

One of the most concerning things about a mice infestation is the fact that seeing even a couple or few rodents around can signal a serious problem. This is because rodents—mice in particular—have a very rapid rate of reproduction. The mouse life cycle is so quick that young mice can reach sexual maturity at just a month old. Unfortunately, this means that even one or two mice in your garage one week can grow exponentially in a manner of weeks. This is why it’s so imperative to learn how to prevent mice from breeding in your home in the first place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know with the experts at Aberdeen Exterminating!

The Dangers of a Small Mouse Problem

If you see a single mouse running around your garage, you may be compelled to leave a trap or two out—or perhaps brush it off entirely. The truth is, it just takes one male and one female mouse to start a full-blown infestation. Here’s what to know:

  1. As mentioned before, young mice reach breeding age at 4–6 weeks of age.
  2. One mouse can give birth to 5 or 6 babies after just a three-week gestation period—and can do so up to 10 times a year.
  3. These female mice can mate immediately after giving birth, meaning mice can birth a second litter in as little as 25 days after the first.

What to Know About the Mouse Life Cycle

The life cycle of a mouse makes it easy to see why these rodents are such common pests in our region. Although the average mouse lifespan is only about 12 months outdoors, they can live for nearly 2 or 3 years in an indoor environment. Living indoors also enables mice to breed more rapidly, as they are unable to reproduce in the winter if outdoors. Inside the comfort of your home, rodents are safe from predators like owls, hawks, and cats. This is why a small rodent problem inside your Aberdeen home can quickly become a full-blown infestation.

How to Stop the Reproduction Rate of Mice

If you want to avoid mice breeding like rabbits inside your home, it’s important to learn how to prevent these pests in the first place. Even more important is learning how to recognize the early signs of rodents in your home—noises, droppings, and more. By stopping a small mouse problem, you can avoid the inevitable infestation. The rodent exterminators at Aberdeen Exterminating are happy to help by implementing the best mouse prevention tactics. Contact us today to learn more!