House Mouse Breeding Cycle - Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

At the end of summer, mice look for warm places to build a winter nest. They flock from gardens, fields or wooded areas to seek shelter and regular food sources. An unclean home can attract mice to your property as they can sense food and clutter. That’s only the beginning of your problems. Mice reproduce incredibly fast.

Mice are able to begin breeding within 6 weeks of birth

There is no specific season when mice breed. They will have litters all year round. Both males and females are usually ready to mate within the first 50 days of life. However, some females might have their first estrus as early as 25 days. Estrus refers to the phase when the female is sexually receptive or in heat.

Commonly in females the estrous cycle lasts around four to five days and estrus itself lasts about 12 hours. A mouse’s estrous cycle is the changes in the animal brought on by reproductive hormones. This is a sign of sexual maturity and is identified by bloody discharge or a period. It’s a reliable indicator of potential mating among mice.

Mouse trails through attic insulation

Male mice court females

They emit ultrasonic calls most common when the male is sniffing and following the female. Males are induced to making these courting calls by female pheromones. Each mouse has a different call and they have been compared to bird songs considering their complexity.

One female mouse can have five to ten litters per year

After copulation female mice develop a copulation plug that prevents further insemination. The plug stays for about 24 hours and the gestation period begins. They’re pregnant for about 19 to 21 days and give birth to 3 to 14 babies. Breeding occurs year round. The mouse population can greatly increase over a short period of time.

Mice use holes cut for electrical runs to travel inside buildings.

Signs you have a mouse in your house

• Destroyed food containers or wrappers. Mice will do whatever it takes to eat.
• Mouse sightings. Actually seeing a rodent.
• Nest or entrance debris. They make a big mess trying to find a place to hide.
• Droppings or urine. Small black pellets can be found anywhere.
• They make rustling or scratching sounds behind walls.

Mice leave brown staining around entry points into homes

Skedaddle Humane Mice Removal

With the frequent breeding cycle of a house mouse an infestation can get out of control really fast. Spotting one mouse in your home is a good sign there is a larger problem. If you discover any signs of mice contact local animal pest removal service like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. It’s important to control a mouse problem as soon as possible in order to reduce property damage.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has the experience and knowledge to mouse-proof your home. Call us today 1-888-592-0387