Mouse Control

The house mouse is one of the most adaptable and widespread pests in the world. Nearly everyone has trouble with them at some point. A mouse can enter your home through an opening as small as a dime. Once inside they require very little food and next to no water to survive. They are excellent climbers and can follow electrical wiring and plumbing to travel between floors. Having mice in your home can cause a number of problems. They are notorious for gnawing on electrical wires and phone lines which can result in fires, they can carry a number of diseases and parasites, and they can also damage stored items and contaminate food. Mice also have a very high reproductive rate and just two of them can turn into a major problem in only a few months.

Origins & Distribution: The house mouse is believed to have originated in Asia. It was spread throughout Europe centuries ago by hitching a ride on the wagons of cereal traders and stowing away on trade ships. It was first introduced to North America aboard the ships of Spanish explorers in the 16th century and was later introduced further north with the arrival of the French and English. The house mouse is now found in all 50 states and throughout most of the world.

Life Span: Most mice have a life expectancy of around 1 year but some individuals have been known to live as long as 6 years under optimal conditions.

Reproduction: One of the reasons mice have been so successful is their high rate of reproduction. Females can have a new litter every 30 to 50 days. Each litter has an average of 5 to 7 babies with as many as 13 being possible. The babies are weaned at 3 weeks of age and are capable of reproducing themselves at only 6 to 10 weeks of age. Given the right conditions, only a couple of mice can quickly become a large infestation.

Diet: House mice are omnivores and eat a wide variety of foods including seeds, nuts, grains, fruit, insects, meat (from other rodents, mammals, or birds), pet food, and nearly anything people eat.

Mice & Disease: Rodents have been implicated in transmitting a number of different diseases and parasites including salmonella, leptospirosis, hantavirus (primarily in deer mice), fleas, mites, trichinosis, and plague. Mouse urine and dander can also cause allergic reactions and asthma in some people.