Do the Math…Mouse?
The common house mouse is the most effective invasive mammal species on the planet, and for good reason. Their reproductive capability makes it almost a certainty that by the time you see one, there are many others out of sight. Mice reach sexual maturity at just one month old, so it doesn’t take a lot of time for these creatures to get out of hand.
These creatures can have an absolutely devastating effect on your home in a surprisingly short amount of time.
mammal species on the planet, and for good reason. Their reproductive capability makes it almost a certainty that by the time you see one, there are many others out of sight. Mice reach sexual maturity at just one month old, so it doesn’t take a lot of time for these creatures to get out of hand.
These creatures can have an absolutely devastating effect on your home in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Mouse Math is the calculation of how many babies one pair of mice can have in a year. Mice can produce 6 to 8 babies per litter (average) and they have many litters each year. One male and one female mouse can produce up to 139 babies in one year and could ultimately produce thousands and thousands of offspring.
Do the Math
Start with a male and female baby mouse. At 6 weeks old the female becomes pregnant. The gestation period is 19 – 21 days and in perfect conditions the female can become pregnant again immediately after giving birth. Assume there are 8 babies in the litter, 4 males and 4 females, which are paired and bred when they are 6 weeks old. So theoretically, you could get: 31,2518 mice in 52 weeks! WOW!!!
Ok, this is only a theory and of course it doesn’t take into account deaths. However, the fact remains: a pair of mice, left unchecked, can result in potentially thousands of mice all looking for food, water and shelter.
So, if you see a mouse in your house or business, don’t assume there is only one!
Give us a call if you have a mice problem, we are good at rodent control and doing Math!
More resources: