Mouse Life Cycle and Reproduction Facts

Mouse Reproduction

Mice are prolific breeders with a short gestation period, two factors that combine to make the rodents hard to control. Mouse babies are born around 20 days after mating and are ready to breed in as little as 10 weeks. Females can have 5 to 10 litters, so infestations grow quickly.

What Do Baby Mice Look Like?

A newborn baby mouse is blind and hairless. The young pests grow a coat of fur within two weeks and begin to open their eyes. At this stage, juvenile mice look like tiny versions of adults. They begin to leave the nest shortly after, which is when homeowners may start to notice the pests in the house.

Baby Mouse Diet

The animals feed on their mother’s milk until they can eat solid foods in about 21 to 28 days. They are then able to forage for meals outside of the nest. Mouse babies consume nuts, seeds, insects, and crumbs. As a result, kitchens are a common place to spot droppings and other signs of activity.

Problems and Removal

Noticing baby mice in a home means there is likely an ongoing infestation. Keeping inside entry holes sealed and homes clean are the best ways to prevent rodents, but stopping a current infestation often requires more serious intervention. For help removing mice, contact the specialists at Orkin.