Mice may look cuddly but they breed rapidly. A house mouse can breed 35 days after it is born and can have its first of up to eight pups by the time it is 60 days old. Although they only live about 1 year, if all their offspring lived and reproduced at a similar rate, one pair of house mice could produce a population of more than 500 mice in one year.

Usually by mid to late fall, throughout most parts of the U.S., mice and other rodents have already found their winter homes. Although you may not notice them or their dropping yet, that can change quickly. Mice have probably already begun reproducing their next litter and have found and laid down trails to the place where you keep food and nesting material they will need for the next few months.

If you see mice or their dropping, don't panic! The wisest thing to do is to call a licensed Pest Management Professional.