Many homeowners dread the thought of encountering mice within their living spaces. These small, agile creatures are notorious for infesting homes and causing various illnesses to humans. It’s essential to understand the lifecycle of house mice to prevent their infestation and keep them at bay. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the intricacies of the lifecycle of these pests and how homeowners can prevent them from
Breeding Habits
House mice start breeding once they reach maturity, which is usually between six and ten weeks of age. Female mice have a gestation period of around 19 to 21 days, after which they give birth to litters of around 6 to 8 young ones. They can reproduce at an alarming rate, with some females delivering seven litters annually. This means that a single breeding pair can give birth to hundreds of mice in just one year.
The Growth Stages
Newborn mice are referred to as pinkies and are born hairless, blind, and deaf. After a week, they grow a fur coat and can thermoregulate their bodies. They become mobile at two weeks, and their eyes and ears open. At four weeks, they start eating solid food and slowly develop into adult mice. One mouse can grow up to 3-4 inches long, plus a 3-4-inch tail, with a weight of 0.4–0.6 ounces.
Mice Habitat and Behavior
House mice are agile creatures that can easily jump up to 12 inches high, climb rough surfaces, and pass through gaps and cracks measuring as small as a dime’s size. They are nocturnal animals, often scurrying about at night in search of food and water. Mice prefer staying in dark, warm, and hidden areas with access to food and water. These areas can include attics, basements, crawl spaces, and inside walls. They feed on anything from crumbs, grains to shoes, electrical wires, and even soaps.
Prevention of Mice Infestation
It’s essential to prevent a house mouse infestation. Homeowners can try the following measures to stop them from nesting inside their properties:
Sealing entry points – Mice can pass through gaps as small as ¼ inch. Seal any spaces that allow easy access to the interior.
Keep a clean environment – Mice come after sources of food and water. Maintain tidy kitchens, no food supply in open air, and clean water sources.
Set up traps – Glue traps and snap traps can catch and kill mice. Mice are intelligent creatures, so placing the traps in the right locations can increase trapping.
Call pest control – Prevent or eradicate the mice infestation by consulting pest control experts.
As you can see, the lifecycle of house mice is intriguing, and understanding how they grow and behave can help prevent their infestation. Proper sanitation, sealing off entry points, and setting traps can keep these pests out of your home. The best way to manage any pest infestation is to get professional help. With the right measures, you can keep your home free of these unwanted guests and never experience the distressing effects associated with a mouse presence.