Tips to Prevent Mice From Multiplying

Rodents are one of the most common—and concerning—pests in all of Virginia. Not only do rats and mice spread germs and disease, they also can damage the very structure of your property. Most troublesome of all is the fact that rodents reproduce at a rapid pace. This is why seeing even a couple of rodents could indicate a bigger problem at play, as litters are born constantly. This is why it’s imperative that you learn how to keep mice from turning your property into their own personal breeding grounds in the first place. Read on to learn the best tips to prevent mice from multiplying in your home or business with Loyal Termite & Pest Control.

The Reproduction Rate of Rodents

If you see just one or two mice, you may not be in a panic. However, it only takes one male and one female mouse to start an infestation. At just 4–6 weeks of age, female mice are able to begin breeding. One mouse can give birth to five or six babies after just a three-week gestation period. Even worse, they can produce up to 10 litters a year! These female mice can mate immediately after giving birth, meaning mice can birth a second litter in as little as 25 days after the first. Needless to say, even a small rodent problem in your home or business can quickly become a full-blown infestation.

3 Tips to Stop Mice From Multiplying

The key to stopping the rapid reproduction rate of mice is to keep mice out altogether. This is best done by making your home or business impenetrable and less attractive to the pests altogether. The top three things you can do to repel mice are:

1. Block off any easy access points—this could mean fixing screens on windows and vents, applying weather stripping on doors, and filling cracks in your plumbing fixtures and roofing.
2. Clean dishes and spills right away and store your food properly, sealed in airtight containers.
3. Keep your grass cut short, clear out your yard waste often, and refrain from using mulch near the foundation of your home.

Preventing Mice Year-Round in Virginia

Rodents are a year-round pest problem in Virginia, but they are especially common in the fall and winter months. To avoid mice reproducing in your home, it’s important to know how to recognize the early signs of rodents in your property, like droppings or gnaw marks, so you can stop an infestation before it begins. At Loyal Termite & Pest Control, we know how difficult this can be, which is why our rodent exterminators are always happy to help. Contact us today!