If you suspect you have a mouse in your home, chances are there are many more of its kind lurking behind the walls. Some people think that a mouse’s short lifespan makes it unlikely to occupy your home for very long. The problem with a house mouse is how quickly and efficiently it can breed and turn a small mouse infestation into a serious concern, despite not living for many years. Mice can multiply and get into your kitchen cabinets, attic, basement and other parts of your home. If you have a concern with mice, it’s best to take action fast with the professionals with expertise in mice removal in Waterloo at Truly Nolen Canada. Here are some surprising details about the life cycle of a house mouse.

Mice Breeding Facts

When a mouse problem is left unchecked, its population can grow exponentially fast because of how these creatures breed. Female mice are ready to breed at only 35 days old. Once a female mouse gets pregnant, it only takes between 19 to 21 days for her to give birth. Mice give birth to litters of babies that may have about five or six pups. In some cases, there may be as many as 12 baby mice in one litter.

After a female mouse gives birth, she can quickly mate again and get pregnant with the next litter. This cycle can continue throughout the year, with some female mice giving birth to up to 10 litters a year. Each time she gives birth and her young reach sexual maturity, the number of potential litters increases and can create a massive infestation inside of a home.

Lifespan of Mice

When a mouse is born, it doesn’t have fur, vision or ears. For 21 days the mother mouse nurses and cares for her litter as they rapidly grow. On day four of their life, their ears finally emerge and develop. They get their fur on the sixth day of life, which is all grown in by day 10. They finally open their eyes on day 13 or 14. About a week later, on day 21, the mother mouse weans her young.

Once weaned, the mice are ready to explore a home and look for things to eat. The male mice in the litter will typically go off into their own territory. The females may stay with their mother for a time. When the female mice reach about six weeks old, they are ready to mate and have their own babies.

Living in the sanctuary of a home extends a house mouse’s average lifespan to about two years. It also makes them breed almost all year long instead of just in the warmer months if they lived outdoors. Outdoor mice only live for about one year. Inside of a home, during the two years of their life, house mice can do significant damage just by breeding constantly.

Complete Mice Removal in Waterloo

A mouse problem can quickly get out of hand if it’s not dealt with by a professional like Truly Nolen Canada. Sometimes, you may not even see an actual mouse in your home. Homeowners must be aware of the signs of a mouse infestation in their home and take action when there is a concern.

If you notice mouse droppings, chewed items or a musty smell, mice may be present in your home. You may also hear scratching or scampering inside of the walls, ceiling or cabinets. Mice as well as rats can bring disease and bacteria into your home, so be sure to call in our team if you suspect an infestation.

The life cycle of a mouse and the way that it breeds makes it one of the most prolific pests in modern homes. Contact Truly Nolen for your mice removal in Waterloo needs and avoid a serious mouse infestation. Our services for rodent control can keep these unwanted guests out.