The Lifespan of the Common House Mouse

The tiny yet tenacious house mouse is an unwelcome houseguest. Gleefully cohabiting our walls, ceilings, and even pantry shelves, the common mouse is a pest with a knack for making itself at home. It’s not only concerning due to its notorious habits of chewing through wiring and contaminating food stores but also because of its prolific breeding and elusive nature. But just how long can we expect these house mice to be, well, at home? Wager Pest Solutions is here to help you understand the lifespan of the common house mouse.

Life Cycle of a House Mouse

A mouse’s life is one of constant adaptation, with its primary goal being to find food, avoid danger, and breed. While many factors affect a mouse’s lifespan, the lifecycle occurs in four stages:

1. Fetus to Newborn

Mice have a short gestation period of about 19-21 days, and the number of offspring in a litter can range from six to twelve. Newborns feed on their mother’s milk and stay in the nest for the first couple weeks of life.

2. Weaning to Sexual Maturity

Around the 3-week mark, the young mice start to venture outside the nest but will need to continue feeding on solid food. By 5-7 weeks, they are already capable of sexual reproduction and can establish their own territories.

3. Adulthood

Adult mice usually live in colonies with a dominant male. They mate during the entire year, and the female can have 7-8 litters per year if conditions are favorable.

4. Aging

As they age, mice can start showing signs of health issues such as tumors, respiratory problems, and dental issues. These can ultimately lead to their decline or death, usually between 12-18 months.

Factors Affecting Lifespan

The lifespan of a house mouse is subject to numerous environmental and biological factors. Mice are incredibly adaptive, but extremes in temperature and lack of food or water can significantly reduce their lifespan. Control of these elements can serve as an effective deterrent. Additionally, mice are small and are often preyed upon by larger animals, including domestic pets. This can lead to a shortened lifespan if they’re unable to escape or defend themselves effectively. Lastly, mice are susceptible to diseases and injuries, which often cut their lives shorter.

Prevent Your Mouse Infestation Today

If you’ve been hearing some unnerving scratching or scurrying in the walls of your Glendale, AZ, home, then it’s time to call in Wagner Pest Solutions. It’s likely you have a house mouse (or two), and we can help you stop the infestation before it gets worse. Our team will evaluate your home, make recommendations, and help you make the final decision on how to move forward. We’ll even look for signs of other infestations like birds or termites. So, request your service today when you call (623) 466-6752.