Facts about mice that will either fascinate you or freak you out

Have you ever encountered a rodent infestation in your home? If so, rest assured that you are definitely not alone. It is estimated that roughly three out of every ten homes in America have a rodent infestation problem. In order to learn more about these prominent pests and how to prevent their unwelcome presence, here is a list of facts about them.

• Mice do not typically have a long life span – In a controlled laboratory environment, mice can live for up to two years. However, in the wild they typically only live for around five months. There are numerous predators that prey on mice including snakes, cats and foxes.
• Despite their short lifespan, they can multiply quickly – A female mouse can produce offspring when they are as young as two months old. They can have up to twelve baby mice every three weeks or so. This means that every female mouse can have around 150 babies a year!
• They mark their territory – Male mice mark their territory with urine. Mouse urine has been proven to trigger both asthma and allergies in humans.
• They defecate profusely – An adult can produce up to 100 droppings per day.
• They spread many more diseases than you think – Mice actually carry and transmit over 200 different pathogens that can be dangerous to humans.
  
• They can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime – Due in large part to their unique bone structure, mice can wriggle through openings as small as a quarter inch wide. This is why infestation is such a common problem. Mice are on the lookout for various ways to get indoors including drain pipes, holes in walls or floors, and cracks in foundations.
• They are hungry – Mice eat between 15 to 20 times each day, so they tend to build their homes in very close proximity to food sources.
• Their favorite food is NOT actually cheese – Despite popular belief, given the choice between a pile of cheese or a pile of seeds, grains or fruits, a mouse would prefer the latter.

If you happen to encounter a mouse in your house, you can rest assured that the little critter isn’t alone. If you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance, contact Optimum Pest Control right away. With expertise, experience, training and proper equipment, we can ensure that your home doesn’t have any unwelcome squatters. Don’t hesitate to bring in the professionals because, as we have learned, a few mice can become a few dozen mice in a hurry!