Why is mouse control considered difficult?

Mouse control is considered difficult primarily because of their very high reproductive potential. Mice can reproduce rapidly, with a single female capable of having multiple litters each year, often producing several offspring in each litter. This allows mouse populations to grow exponentially if not controlled effectively. This rapid reproduction means that a small number of mice can quickly escalate into a much larger problem, making population control challenging.

In contrast, the other factors listed may contribute to the overall challenge of managing mouse populations, but they do not play as significant a role as their high reproductive capacity. For example, while mice are indeed able to squeeze through openings larger than 1 inch, this trait alone wouldn't be as impactful without the accompanying rapid population growth. Additionally, mice are not solitary animals; they tend to live in groups which can facilitate their reproduction. Thus, the combination of their reproductive capability and social behavior makes controlling their populations particularly daunting.