How Fast Rodents Reproduce
How Rodents Reproduce (And Why It's a Big Problem)
Most people know rodents reproduce fast, but the details might surprise you. Here's a look at how mice and rats grow their families so quickly.
1. Pregnancy & Birth
Rodents don't waste time. A mouse is pregnant for about 3 weeks, and a rat is pregnant for around the same. When it's time to give birth, the mother usually has a big litter—anywhere from 6-12 babies for mice and 7-14 for rats. When they're born, the babies are tiny, blind, and hairless—basically helpless little pink jellybeans.
2. How Rodent Moms Care for Their Young
Rodent moms are busy caregivers. They:
Build nests out of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric scraps.
Nurse their babies with milk until they're old enough for solid food.
Keep the pups (babies) warm and groom them constantly.
If the nest feels unsafe, the mother will even carry her babies to a new spot.
3. Growing Up Fast
Rodent babies don't stay helpless for long.
Around 10 days, their eyes open and fur starts growing.
At 2-3 weeks, they begin to wander out of the nest and try solid food.
By 4 weeks, they're fully weaned and can live on their own.
4. What Baby Rodents Eat
At first, it's just mother's milk. But once they're a couple of weeks old, they start nibbling on whatever food the mother brings back—crumbs, seeds, or scraps. By the time they leave the nest, at about 4 weeks old, they can eat the same foods adults do.
Why Rodents Are Bad For Homeowners
Here's the scary part: rodents grow up fast. Mice can start having babies of their own at just 6 weeks old, while rats begin breeding at about 2-3 months old. Since both can have several litters every year, it doesn't take long for a small problem to turn into a major infestation. In fact, just one pair of rodents can multiply into dozens—or even hundreds—within a few short months.
Rat Exterminator
Rodents don't just sneak into homes—they set up big families fast. Even if you spot just one mouse, there could already be a whole nest hiding behind your walls or in the attic. That's why quick action is so important. Contact the best exterminator near you for proper rodent removal and prevention.
