Although no one wants a rat or mouse infestation in their home, rodents can be pretty interesting so here are some rat and mouse facts for you….!
- A mouse’s tail is the same length as it’s body
- Brown rats are bouncy! They can jump 120 cms across and 80 cms high.
- Rat travel patterns can become so established, if they are used to moving around an object when that object is removed, they will still keep to the original path, travelling around where it used to be.
- Mice are good actors – if a mouse feels in danger it can play dead until the danger has passed.
- Mice are also really communicative, and speak in ultrasonic tones as well as mouse ‘squeaks’.
- At any one time the percentage of pregnant rat females is between 10-30%, that’s a lot of rat babies on the way.
- Mice can get pregnant again within 48 hours of giving birth – they’re prolific breeders.
- Rats and mice have to live near water constantly as they are thirsty creatures. Mice need to eat around 20 times a day so also need a steady supply of food.
All in all rats and mice have an amazing ability to communicate, survive and breed estabilishing large family groups. Unfortunately, human houses make perfect mouse and rat homes too, as there is a constant supply of food, water and shelter. When it gets colder during Winter these clever rodents will readily move into your house.
Mice will get into houses using air vents or any small opening they can find. Once mice have found a way into your house they will usually stay and breed, and if left unchecked a mouse infestation can become overwhelming.
Rats are commonly found under decking in gardens and will often then migrate into wall cavities and up into your loft. Rats will also travel in drainage systems and use these to access houses where it’s warm and dry with a plentiful food supply. Bird feeders are also very tempting for rats.
If you have a rat or mouse infestation in your house, professional rat or mouse pest control services are often well worth the investment. As well as using licensed products which are highly effective, professional mouse and rat pest controllers will be able to advise on preventative steps you can take to stop re-infestation which is always the best solution.
