Seeing a rat or mouse scurrying across your kitchen floor is never a welcome sight. But, before you shrug it off as a once-off occurrence, consider how many others may be hiding out in your roof or garage. Once they have established a nest in your residence, the reproduction rate of rodents is rapid and can quickly become unmanageable for the average homeowner. Do the (rodent) maths The infographic below shows just how one little mouse or rat, if left unchecked, can quickly turn into a full blown infestation. The breeding process begins soon after a male and female come into contact with one another. Depending on the type of rodent – brown rat, black rat, or house mouse – the gestation period can last anywhere between 18 and 22 days, with each litter bearing, on average, six to 12 pups. A single female can resume mating only a few days post-pregnancy and can produce up to 8 litters in a year, with separate litters being birthed within 25 days of each other. If you do the calculations, that roughly translates to about 56 offspring from one female in just a year. Now can you see why your one mouse trap behind the fridge may not be enough to ward off these pests? Seasonal Problems Rodent breeding can occur throughout the year, given the right conditions. Normally, a rodent’s mating period would be diminished during the winter months due to the colder temperatures. However, by moving indoors where the temperatures may be more optimal, and food sources are readily available, procreation can continue – within the comforts of your own home or facility.
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Masters of Concealment Rodents feed almost exclusively at night, remaining well concealed in dark, enclosed areas like crawlspaces, between walls, in roofs, under porches, or in boxed-in plumbing. They can also fit through surprisingly tiny holes, with smaller rats and mice being able to pass through a space as little as 2cm in diameter – making entry a cinch. Adapt and Overcome The only way to discourage rats and mice from taking residence on your property is either to prevent entry or by eliminating the conditions that make it a desirable place to set up shelter.
  • Seal holes inside and outside the home to keep rodents out. This may be as simple as plugging small holes with steel wool, or patching holes in inside or outside walls.
  • Remove potential rodent nesting sites from your property, including leaf piles and deep mulch.
  • Clean up food and water sources in and near your house.
    • Regularly empty the trash and ensure that all bins have a tight-fitted lid
    • Don’t leave pet food sitting out too long
    • Clean up spilled food right away and wash dishes and cooking utensils soon after use.
Essentially, once rodents have chosen your home as their nesting site, there’s a good chance that they’ll start breeding there. Before you know it, one will become many and, if left untreated, could cause big problems for you and your family, from property damage to health issues. Regular inspections in the areas of your home most prone to rodents can prevent a single mouse from turning into dozens of mice in just a few months’ time.
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Need rodent advice? Contact The Pest Control Specialists for effective rodent control solutions