Rodents
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 offspring increase with adequate food, water and harborage.
- After giving birth, House mice, Norway rats and roof rats can be become pregnant again in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
- Females can become pregnant and still lactate to feed their current litter of pups. This may extend the gestation period slightly.
- They will reproduce year-round in favorable environments with food, water and shelter.
- Normal life span is approximately one year.
Mice
Mice are sexually mature and mate in as little as 5 weeks.
Female mice reproduce up to 8 times in their life span with litters averaging 4 to 7 pups, or a total of up to 56 offspring annually.
Rats
Norway and roof rats can be 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.
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