House Mice
House Mice are said to be the most common mammal in the U.S. Because they are so widespread, you may think you already know everything about this household pest, but think again! Here are eight fascinating mouse facts you probably didn’t know:
If you have a mouse infestation in Philadelphia, rest assured you are not alone
Every year between October and February, mice and other rodents invade at least 21 million homes in the United States, looking for food, water and shelter from the cold. Add in offices and factories and the mouse onslaught grows exponentially.
Mice have big appetites
Despite their tiny bodies (and even smaller stomachs!), mice eat between 15 and 20 times a day. Because of their frequent eating habits, they prefer to build their homes near food sources.
They are tiny gymnasts
Mice are good jumpers, climbers and swimmers. In fact, mice can jump a foot into the air, allowing them to easily climb up onto kitchen counters or into pantries to access food. To prevent mice and other pests from getting into your food, store all pantry items in hard, plastic containers with a tightly sealed lid. Keep office desk drawers and kitchens clean of all food waste and leftovers.
They are also little Houdinis!
Mice can squeeze through openings as small as the size of a dime. This means that a small crack or opening on the exterior of your home (such as where utility pipes enter) is like an open door for mice. Prevent mice from gaining access to your home by sealing any openings on the exterior with a silicone caulk. You can also fill gaps and holes inside your home with steel wool.
They have relatively short lifespans
In the wild, mice usually only live for about five months, mostly because of predators such as cats, snakes and foxes. In a lab setting, mice can live for up to two years.
They spread germs more than you know
Sure, you know that mice can spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella, but that’s just the beginning. In fact, mice can actually carry as many as 200 human pathogens!
Mice aren’t potty trained
Okay, so you already knew that. But did you know that a house mouse produces between 40 and 100 droppings per day? In addition, house mice constantly give off micro-droplets of urine as they travel around their territory every day. However, if you’re looking for a silver lining, house mice (like all rodents) do not vomit.
One mouse can turn into many mice.. quickly!
A female mouse can give birth at two months old, and may have up to a dozen babies every three weeks or as many as 150 offspring in a single year! If you spot a mouse in your home or office – please call The Aardvark immediately.