While some folks love rats and mice, others can’t wait to see them die. So, when can we expect these rodents to pass away?
Wild rats and mice only expect to live about one year due to predation and lack of resources. On the other hand, domestic mice might eke out two years, while the longest-living pet rat survived seven times around the sun!
Undeniably, rats and mice are fascinating creatures. Please keep reading to learn more about how long they live and their lifecycles.
How Long Do Wild Rats Live?
The average lifespan of a wild rat is less than one year. Their short time on earth is largely due to predation and disease.
Also, rats have a high metabolism, and their heart rate ranges from 300 to 500 beats per minute. These factors put more pressure on their circulatory systems, leading to short lifespans.
How Long Do Pet Rats Live?
Adequate food, water, and veterinary care extend domestic rats’ lifespan. Still, they aren’t long-living pets, only surviving about two to four years.
How Long Do Wild Mice Live?
A mouse in the wild typically lives from 12 to 18 months. Mice living in a forest might lack food and shelter or fall victim to a predator, leading to a shortened lifespan of one year or less.
On the other hand, wild mice dwelling close to humans have a better chance of living longer. Overall, they might survive two years eating crumbs, drinking from leaking plumbing, and staying warm in a crawl space or attic.
How Long Do Pet Mice Live?
If given a loving home with plenty of food, water, and care, mice can have a better chance of living longer. Unfortunately, the longest you can expect a pet mouse to live is about two years.
How Long Can Mice Live Without Food?
Mice can survive two to four days without consuming food. They have a high metabolism and need almost constant nourishment for their bodies to function.
On the other hand, a mouse might go up to a month without directly consuming water. This ability is because mice absorb most of their water through food.
Can Mice and rats Live In The Same House?
Mice and rats are different species and don’t interbreed or live in the same nests. They compete for the same food sources and shelters, making it unlikely they would live in the same house.
However, if food and shelter are abundant in a house, there could be space for rats and mice to live together. This situation could almost only happen in an incredibly neglected building or if you were intentionally feeding wild animals.
Rat & Mouse Lifespan Compared To Other Rodents
Rats and mice are in the rodent family, along with more than 2,000 other species. It might help you to understand how long they live if you compare their lifespan to other familiar rodents.
| Rodent Type | Lifespan | Diet | Where They Live | Domesticated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House Mouse | 1-2 years | Omnivore | Homes, Buildings | Yes |
| Black Rat | 1-3 years | Omnivore | Urban Areas, Fields | Yes |
| Squirrels | 5-10 years | Herbivore/Omnivore | Trees, Parks, Gardens | Some species |
| Brown Rat | 1-3 years | Omnivore | Urban Areas, Fields | Yes |
| Beaver | 10-15 years | Herbivore | Rivers, Streams, Lakes | No |
| Guinea Pig | 4-8 years | Herbivore | Domesticated, Cages | Yes |
| Groundhog | 2-3 years | Herbivore | Burrows, Fields | No |
| Hamster | 2-3 years | Omnivore | Cages, Burrows | Yes |
| Gerbil | 2-4 years | Herbivore | Deserts, Cages | Yes |
| Nutria | 2-6 years | Herbivore | Wetlands, Rivers | No |
| Porcupine | 5-7 years | Herbivore | Forests, Grasslands | No |
Lifecycle Of Rats
The life cycle of rats typically consists of several stages, including birth, infancy, adolescence, and adulthood. The specifics can vary somewhat depending on the species of rat, but they all go through generally the same stages, including:
Birth Of Rats
- Rats are mammals and give birth to live young. A typical litter may have 6 to 12 pups, although this number can vary.
- The gestation period is around 21 to 23 days; females can have multiple litters yearly.
Rats Infancy
- Newborn rats, called pups, are born hairless, blind, and dependent on their mother for nourishment.
- The mother rat cares for and nurses the pups, providing them with milk.
- The eyes of the pups start to open around 14 to 16 days after birth, as their fur grows.
Adolescence Stage
- As the rats grow, they become more independent and explore their surroundings.
- The weaning process typically occurs around three to four weeks of age when the pups begin to eat solid food.
- Rats reach sexual maturity relatively quickly. Depending on the species, they may become sexually mature at around five to six weeks.
Adulthood & Reproduction
- Rats are prolific breeders, and their ability to reproduce quickly contributes to their population growth.
- Female rats can enter estrus (heat) every four to five days.
- They can become pregnant again shortly after giving birth.
Senescence & Aging
- As rats age, they may experience a decline in health and activity.
- Common health issues in older rats include respiratory problems, tumors, and issues related to aging.
- Genetic factors, diet, and environmental conditions influence a rat’s lifespan.
Lifecycle of Mice
While mice and rats share some similarities in their life cycles, there are also distinct differences. Here’s an overview of a mouse’s life cycle:
Birth of Mice
- Mice, like rats, give birth to live young. A typical mouse litter consists of 5 to 12 pups.
- The gestation period for mice is shorter than that of rats, lasting about 19 to 21 days.
Mouse Infancy
- Newborn mice, called pinkies, are hairless and blind at birth.
- The mother mouse cares for and nurses the pinkies.
- The eyes of the pups open around 10 to 14 days after birth, and fur starts to grow.
Weaning Off Mother’s Milk
- The weaning process for mice typically begins around three weeks of age, at which point the young mice start to eat solid food.
- By four weeks of age, most mice are fully weaned and more independent.
Mouse Adolescence
- Mice reach sexual maturity relatively early, with males becoming sexually mature at around five to six weeks and females at six to eight weeks.
Adulthood & Reproduction in Mice
- Adult mice are small, agile, and capable of rapid reproduction.
- Similar to rats, female mice can experience estrus every 4 to 5 days. A thought experiment can show us the power of mouse reproduction if we start with one male and one female:
- In theory, this pair of mice could produce up to 60 offspring annually. Estimating conservatively, maybe only 21 of these 60 offspring would be female. Considering these females can give birth just six weeks after their own arrival, it’s conceivable to witness a population of as many as 5,082 mice within one year!
Mouse Death:
- Mice’s health and activity level declines after one year or less.
- Many mice die before maturity as prey to other animals or from disease.
Overall, it’s important to recognize that mice and rats are adaptable and have evolved to reproduce quickly and in large numbers. Their success as a species comes from their adaptability to many environments and rapid reproduction in a short lifespan.
Is Waiting For Rats & Mice To Die A Good Method To Get Rid Of Them?
Simply waiting for mice and rats to die is not an effective or humane method of pest control. There are several reasons why this approach is not advisable:
Inhumane to Mice & Rats
Allowing rodents to die of natural causes can lead to suffering. They may face dehydration, starvation, or illness, causing unnecessary distress.
Health Risks
Dead rodents can pose health risks. Decomposing bodies can attract insects and other pests, and the odor can be unpleasant and potentially harmful.
Population Growth
Rats and mice reproduce quickly, so waiting for them to die may allow the population to continue growing in the meantime.
Damage & Contamination
Rodents can cause damage to property and contaminate food sources. Allowing them to remain in your living space while waiting for them to die can exacerbate these problems.
There Are Better Ways To Get Rid Of Mice & Rats
Instead of passive waiting, take proactive steps for rat and mouse control. You can read my advice on getting rid of mice here, or my detailed explanation of eliminating rats here.
Generally, for either species you can take a few steps, such as:
Identify How They Enter
Find entry points and areas where rodents are active. Also, you might find their nest, marked by a concentration of droppings and bits of garbage or fibers.
Seal Entry Points
Seal cracks and holes in walls, floors, and foundations to prevent rodents from entering. Mice can fit through a 1/4-inch hole, while rats can fit through a 3/4-inch one.
Increase Your Cleanliness
Keep your living space clean, and secure food in rodent-proof containers. Rats and mice feel much more comfortable in a dirty building.
Set Traps
Use traps, such as snap traps or humane traps, to capture and remove rodents. Check them often to ensure you don’t end up with rotting carcasses.
Poison Baits
Overall, use poison baits cautiously, as they can pose risks to other animals and children. This method is a last resort for DIY rodent control.
Professional Assistance
If the infestation is severe or persistent, consider seeking help from pest control professionals who can assess the situation and implement effective measures. In the end, rodents can make you sick and are difficult to eliminate on your own.