Mice are one of the trickiest infestations to handle. Mice can cause a great deal of problems and even safety hazards if they chew wiring. But what do you know about mice? Here are some mice facts you should know for both practical reasons or for trivia night.
21 Things You Might Not Know About Mice
- Mice are nocturnal animals. That’s why, if they get into your walls, you may hear them scampering at night.
- More than 30 species of mice exist.
- The best-known type of mouse is the house mouse, which is also a popular choice for those who keep mice as pets.
- Field mice, deer mice, and American white-footed mice are the other species commonly found on properties and in homes.
- Mice have an exceptionally good sense of smell and hearing but have terrible eyesight.
- Mice tails are hairless and can grow as long as their bodies.
- Mice are considered herbivores. Grains are their favorite foods, but they will eat all forms of plants. They’ll also chew paper and cardboard, especially to get to food.
- Mice teeth never stop growing so they chew on things like wood, furniture, wires, cardboard, etc. to grind them down.
- Would you believe mice eat 15-20 times a day? This is why they like to nest and burrow close to food sources.
- Animals that prey on mice include cats, snakes, bird of prey, foxes, wild dogs, and some domesticated dogs.
- In Eastern Zambia and northern Malawi, mice are viewed as a source of protein and considered a delicacy.
- The first mouse used as a character in animation was Mickey Mouse in 1928. He’s been followed by others such as Jerry from Tom & Jerry and Stuart Little.
- Mice are good climbers, jumpers, and swimmers. For their small size, they can jump a foot into the air.
- Mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime – so they frequently get in through gaps around utility pipes.
- Mice spread lots of germs – up to 200 types of human pathogens – including Salmonella and Hantavirus.
- The average mouse lives between nine months and one year with mice in the wild only averaging six months. Pet mice can live up to two years because they are generally safe from predators.
- October through February tends to be the most common time for mice to seek shelter in your home to avoid the cold, and find food and water, though technically it can happen at any time of the year.
- Approximately 21 million homes a year have a mice infestation.
- A single female mouse can give birth to up to 10 litters of mice in a year.
- Baby mice are born about 20 days after mating.
- Mice are mature enough within two months to mate and reproduce themselves.
How to Tell If You Have a Mouse in Your House?
The most common question we get about mice at the Arrow Exterminating offices is about how to determine if mice are in your home. Here are some tips to tell:
- Scratching sounds in the walls
- Droppings
- Gnaw marks on food packaging or plastic
- Foul or musky odors
- Nests of shredded material
You could also find a dead mouse. If so, do not assume you’re fine. On the contrary, finding a dead mouse might mean more living mice elsewhere in the house!
Arrow Exterminating Is the Rodent Experts
If you have a mice problem – or think mice and other rodents might be in your walls, call in the professionals at Arrow Exterminating. The sooner you contact us then the sooner we can help you live in a critter-free environment. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
