Rodents Reproduce in the Spring

As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, it’s not just us who begin to think romantic thoughts. Many species of critter, particularly rodents, have breeding seasons in the springtime. Here is a look at some of the common species of rodent and what their breeding seasons entail:

Rats

Two species of rat live in Georgia, the Norway rat and the black rat. While Norway rats can breed year-round, their preferred season is in the spring. These fertile creatures have a gestation period of only 21 days and litters of 7 to 14. Within 5 weeks of birth, the young are also capable of reproducing.

Black rats are seasonal breeders. They have litters of seven to eight with a gestation period of 21 to 28 days. These young, in turn, can breed after three or four months of life. Black rats are capable of about six litters within the 18 fertile months of their two-year lifespan. 

Mice

While many different mice can live in your home, in addition to small mammals that can be mistaken for mice such as moles or voles, the house mouse is one of the most common species found in your pantry. Female mice can have between five and 10 litters per year. They range from 3 to 10 young each time.

Squirrels

The most common squirrel in Georgia, the Gray Squirrel, has two litters per year. They mate in the winter and the late spring and give birth in the spring and late summer to litters of two to four.

Why Spring?

While several of these species will breed all year, the most consistent breeding time and the time most likely to lead to a larger litter is in the spring. This is because there is plenty of food to nourish an expectant mother and her impending young. After a few months of keeping warm and having limited food, breeding becomes a main goal. Species like black rats, who have distinct breeding season, will shift territories so that males can have easy and regular access to mates.

What Does this Mean for You?

Spring is a good time for garden cleanup and starting anew. It is also a good time to check your home’s exterior and avoid making your home available to uninvited guests and their impending litters. Let our rodent extermination service help you find where your home is vulnerable to intrusion from rodents and what to do about it.