Rodents
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Reproduction
Mice and rats reproduce rapidly, as is generally the case with small prey animals. Their relatively short life spans, short gestation periods and rapid sexual maturity make effective rodent control critical. The reproductive cycle and number of rodent offspring increases with adequate food, water and harborage.
House Mouse Reproduction Cycle
- Mice sexually mature and mate in as little as 5 weeks. Generally, sexual maturity is reached in 5 to 8 weeks.
- Female mice reproduce up to 8 times in their lifespan, with litters averaging 4 to 7 pups. Therefore, a single female may produce up to 56 offspring annually.
Rat Reproduction Cycle
- Norway and roof rats can sexually mature and mate at 8 to 12 weeks of age.
- Norway rats average 8 to 12 pups per litter, averaging 4 to 7 litters per year.
- Roof rats average 4 to 8 pups per litter, averaging 4 to 6 litters per year.