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What do mice eat?

Have you ever wondered what mice eat? Mice are very opportunistic and voracious eaters, and they will eat any number of things found around your home. These small rodents will search for any easy supply of food necessary to support their nest. 

Mice build their nests in warm places that have access to both food and nesting materials. Mice are especially fond of include wall cavities, attics, and kitchens. If any of these areas in your home provide mice access to food (we know your kitchen definitely does!), then there’s always a chance that you could be at risk of infestation.

If you think there are areas of your property that are susceptible to mice, call 866-843-8681 or contact us online to have a specialist survey your home or business.

What mice eat: Do mice eat meat?

Mice are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and meat. Wild mice primarily feed on vegetation, but they’re adaptable - how smart are mice? They’re clever enough to eat just about anything they find, including meat if it's available.

When a mouse is in a more urban environment and gains access to a home or business, they will eat just about anything you leave out, including:

  • meats

  • grains

  • oats

  • cereal

  • rice

  • corn

  • fruit

  • seeds

mouse eating a berry

What do house mice eat?

The house mouse has adapted to urban living and has evolved to eat just about anything. They even look for food scraps in the garbage. House mice are not above chewing through bags and other containers to get to food. Still, house mice typically favor eating insects and seeds.

House mice are highly adaptable creatures. A common misconception is that they only live in the wild, but facts about house mice reveal that they thrive in urban environments, often nesting in attics, basements, and walls. Their house mouse lifespan typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, though they can live longer under ideal conditions.

What do deer mice eat?

Deer mice get nourishment from sources such as seeds, insects, berries, and small animals. They also may consume their feces. Deer mice themselves can be eaten by animals such as snakes. You should be wary of deer mice in your home as they can carry hantavirus.

Do mice eat cheese?

If you watched cartoons when you were a kid, you might think that mice like to eat cheese. The fact is, this isn’t true. When it comes to cheese, a mouse in your house might take a pass.

Mice prefer any type of food loaded with carbs. They have tiny bodies and need to move very fast, so they need things that can be broken down fast to use for energy. For example, a mouse would probably prefer peanut butter over cheese. Mice are fond of fruits and other sweets, so they may decide to bite on sweet things like chocolate. No matter what type of food is in front of them, mice are pretty opportunistic and will take a chance on just about anything.

mouse chewing on wire

Mice cause property damage

Mice teeth are always growing and to keep them from growing too long, they have a built-in compulsion to gnaw on things. On top of that, they are eager to try a lot of different things, making them not afraid to munch on anything. Mice have very strong teeth that can chew through a variety of materials. That’s why they can be such a threat to your property.

Did you know that mice can also chew through wooden walls and drywall? Once a mouse gets indoors, it may create holes in furniture, cabinets, and baseboards. It can also chew on the rubber insulation that surrounds electrical wires. Mice may also bite right through the wires themselves, shorting out electrical devices and creating a possible fire hazard.

What do mice do for the environment? Mice are not only opportunistic feeders, but they also play an important role in the ecosystem. They help to disperse seeds and support the food chain by acting as prey for various predators, including snakes, birds, and even larger mammals. However, when they enter homes, their natural behaviors can lead to infestations that pose a risk to property and health.

Save your property from mice with Ehrlich!

Afraid you might be dealing with a mice infestation? Learn how to prevent mice with Ehrlich! Contact us today, and we’ll set up a free mouse control inspection so we can see exactly what is going on. We have been helping home and business owners control mice for many years. You can rest assured that we have the right treatment plan for your property.

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