How Long Do Mice Live?
Illustration of House Mouse
What is the Average Lifespan of a Mouse?
While many factors can affect their longevity, mice usually live for about 12 to 18 months. The presence of food, shelter, and predators determines how long mice live. Rodents infesting a home typically survive longer than mice in their natural environment.
How Long Do Mice Live in the Home?
House mice have adapted to thrive around humans. Inside a house that provides shelter and plenty of crumbs or stored goods, the average lifespan of a mouse is about two years. As long as the pests have access to food and water, the only real threats to their survival are disease and humans or pets.
How Long Do Mice Live in the Wild?
In the great outdoors, most house mice fall victim to predators. Rats, snakes, and owls are avid mouse hunters. Lack of food or water, illness, and injury also limit colonies in the wild. In this setting, the average lifespan of a mouse is often less than a year.
Mouse Infestations
Mice can quickly get out of control in a safe, warm home. One female may give birth to about 80-90 offspring within her lifetime, and mice start breeding at about six weeks old. Call the experts at Orkin to remove mice and other rodents at the first sign of infestation.