Did you know that a single female mouse produces an average of 60 baby mice every year? Mice are prolific breeders, which is bad news if they are living in your house. Their high birth rate becomes extremely problematic because they can damage homes, contaminate food, and spread disease.
Mouse Reproduction
Female mice produce hormones to attract a mate, while the male mouse emits an ultrasonic mating call. After mating, gestation takes only 3 weeks (19-21 days). The average mouse litter size is about 6-8 babies, but can be up to as many as 14! Mice will breed continually, regardless of weather or seasonal changes.
Mouse Babies
Mice are born hairless and blind. Within about 2 weeks, they will grow fur and open their eyes. Until they are 3-4 weeks old, they are nourished by their mother’s milk. At this point, young mice look like small versions of adult mice.
Adult mice
When mouse babies are weaned at between 21-28 days, they will begin to scavenge for food. Mice like to eat nuts, seeds, insects, and crumbs. Females reach sexual maturity in about 6 weeks, while males mature around 8 weeks. In the wild, mice tend to only live about a year because of harsh climates and predation. Indoors, however, they are known to live twice that long. Laboratory mice living in ideal, protected environments can sometimes reach 4-5 years of age.
Sunshine Coast Rodent Control
Mice can become a major problem for Sunshine Coast homeowners because of their rapid breeding. It is important to take measures to prevent rodents from entering homes and businesses and to take care of any infestations quickly. Radar Pest Control can help you get rid of rodents, along with roaches, spiders, termites, and other pests. For pest control Sunshine Coast, trust Radar to get the job done right!