How long do wild mice live?

The life of a mouse is a short one. The tiny rodents that are the source of much anxiety and worry for many property owners only live a short while but can cause a lot of trouble. But how long do mice live? In the wild, mice do not tend to live longer than 2 years.

The mouse life cycle does vary depending on the species. Below are a few lifespan averages for some of the most common mouse species in the wild.

• House mouse (Mus musculus): 12-24 months
• Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus): 2-14 months
• White-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus): 12-24 months

Inside, mice can live much longer (Deer mice up to 8 years) due to the abundance of food and water sources. This is why it is important to have the proper exclusion methods to deter them from your property and prevent them from getting comfortable in your home or business.

Just because a single mouse does not have a long life does not mean your infestation will subside after a year. Mice are prolific breeders and once a female mouse is pregnant, it only takes between 19 and 21 days for her to give birth. Additionally, a single female mouse can give birth to 25-60 mice in a year. This means a few mice gaining entrance to your property can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.

A mouse infestation can cause serious damage to furniture in homes and wiring and equipment in businesses. Not to mention, mice are carriers of disease and are a major health risk to humans. Your dedicated Technician can inspect your home or business and point out entry points where mice and other rodents could potentially enter. Our trusted solutions are designed to keep your property protected against mice 24/7, 365 days a year. Stay one step ahead of mice by contacting Rentokil today.