For rodent control it's important to know how these changes affect rats and mice and how best to apply control practices. Winter Rodent populations are at their annual low and breeding is minimal. Many rodents do not survive during periods of cold and snow. Rodents prefer protected places in or near buildings. Spring Annual breeding cycles begin about March as the weather gets warmer.
Spring rains bring vegetation growth, providing breeding areas and additional food sources.
Rodents become more abundant by late spring. Young rats and mice wander and seek food and new home sites. Summer Food and vegetation are abundant. Rats and mice are more common because of spring breeding and available food. Another peak in breeding occurs in early September as summer temperatures cool.