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Gestation period is 21 days.
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Litters vary from 4 - 16 young per litter. 7 - 8 litters per year.
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Average lifespan is 6 - 12 months.
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Maximum progeny potential from one pair and their offspring:
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Year 1 would be about 2000
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Year 2: 1,000 pair x 2,000 = 2,000,000
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Fortunately (as with rats) they have many enemies and predators, and their reproduction is well regulated by the available food supply.
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The most common pest in urban and rural environments is the house mouse. Rodents will enter your buildings at any time of the year. Autumn / winter is when rodents seek new supplies of food as the natural supplies in the countryside are in shorter supply. Due to the colder weather they are also seeking shelter and ample food in our homes, offices, shops and factories.
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Scurrying or gnawing sounds in your roof space or under the floor may be the first indication of infestation. Signs such as half eaten food found in a cupboard or an electrical problem caused by rodents chewing though wiring. If droppings are found, the identification of rats or mice is much easier.
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Mice are much smaller than rats. Rat droppings are large (25m) long with a characteristic pointed end. Mouse droppings are (4mm) long and usually more numerous. Visable greasy mark trails caused by the oils from the animal’s fur being continually wiped where the mice run regularly are a sign of a heavy infestation.
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