Outdoors, breeding only occurs during spring, summer and fall. The winter months are too harsh for successful breeding. And just like the breeding output increases if a mouse takes refuge in your home, so does the length of their life.

What months do rats breed?

In rural areas, they tend to breed during the warm summer months, which means, come the winter, undetected infestations could already be substantial. Urban mice and rats tend to breed throughout the year with warm, indoor nesting sites.

What time of year are rodents most active?

Rodents are generally nocturnal animals, with peak activity occurring shortly after dusk and again prior to dawn. Inside occupied structures, they often become active within about 30-60 minutes following the subsiding of evening human activity.