The quickest way to draw mice into your home is by providing abundant food sources for them to feast on, especially during the winter when mice venture indoors for food and warmth. Although mice aren’t known to be very picky eaters, certain food sources are much more likely to attract them if they are not disposed of properly. Surprisingly, cheese is not on the list!
Not-So-Fun Mice Facts
Avoiding a mouse infestation is more difficult than you might think. While not as tiny as ants, mice are incredibly good at squeezing through tight spaces. An opening as small as ¼ inch in diameter could be big enough for some mice to get inside your home. Once inside, mice can reproduce extremely quickly and turn one little rascal into a full-blown infestation!
Mice also like to stay within 10-30 feet of their primary food source, so if you find one in or around your home, then they are likely not straying far from whatever attracted them in the first place.
Forager Favorites: What Do Mice Eat?
Mice are not picky eaters. If food is available, whether it be overflowing trash bins, dinner leftovers, or crumbs on the floor, they’ll take it! However, some food sources are more attractive to mice than others. The concept of cheese being a mouse’s favorite food is actually a myth, though they’ll happily nibble at a nice wheel of Gruyère if it’s available. Some believe this stereotype originated in the Middle Ages because most other food sources were stored in ways that mice couldn’t access.
Are you ready to rodent-proof your home? Here are six common food sources that mice and rats love, plus tips for safely storing these products out of rodent reach:
1. Sweet Fruits and Berries
Mice and rats definitely have a sweet tooth, making fruits and berries desirable food sources for these little rodents. This means if you have any berry bushes or fruit trees on your property, you may be at risk of attracting mice!
Any berry bushes near your home should be picked regularly to prevent leaving a trail of treats that draws unwanted guests to your doorstep. Similarly, keep an eye on your fruit trees and avoid leaving fallen apples or pears on the ground. Inspect fruit and berries for signs of nibbling and gnawing as you pick them. If you see any bite marks on the fruit, don’t eat the fruit! This could signify you already have a rodent problem!
2. Pet Food
You may not have a mouse or rat as a pet, but that won’t stop them from being drawn in by dog food in your kitchen or garage. If you have a dog, cat, or other pet, keep bags of pet food sealed tight and even stored indoors rather than in your garage (which can already be a common attractive location for pests). Ensure you’re not leaving tiny pieces of kibble under cabinets or around the dog bowl, and sweep up any spills so they are not left out after meal time.
3. Nuts, Grains, and Seeds
Another rodent classic, anything small and nibble-worthy is sure to attract mice and rats to your home. Nuts, grains, and seeds should be stored away in sealed, airtight containers in your cabinets or pantry to ensure no furry pests find them.
If you suspect a rat or mouse infestation, store nut butters and spreads in your refrigerator, as even these high-protein snacks can attract rodents into your cupboards and pantry.
4. Meats and Animal Fats
Who knew small rodents had a carnivorous side? Although mice prefer nuts and seeds for their protein, rats can be notorious meat lovers. To keep the savory smell of meaty morsels out of your house, avoid leaving skillets and pans covered in leftover meat scraps and fats. Instead, wash them thoroughly and dispose of fats properly. Take out the kitchen trash often so you’re not leaving leftovers out where rats can find them.
5. Scraps and Leftovers
Speaking of leftovers, any scraps left sitting out for an extended period of time can be a quick and easy food source for mice and rats, just as unwashed dishes sitting out with food scraps can be a feasting ground for an ant infestation.
A tidy home is a pest-free home, so keep your kitchen clean! Start clearing food scraps from plates immediately after meals, taking out the trash regularly, sweeping the kitchen and dining room floors of any crumbs, and storing leftover food in the refrigerator inside sealed containers. These habits will go a long way toward preventing all manner of pests!
6. Food in Thin Packaging
Be careful leaving food in cardboard packaging in your garage or even the pantry, as mice can easily chew through thin cardboard packaging and plastic bags. Store cereals, crackers, and other snacks in airtight glass or hard plastic containers rather than keeping them in the original packaging. This will help keep all the pantry pests at bay!
Too Many Mice in the Kitchen?
Despite their size, mice can cause significant problems and are best kept out of your home.
If you’ve seen the signs of a mouse infestation in your home, don’t try to get rid of them on your own! DIY rodent removal methods may work in the short term, but they do nothing to prevent repeat infestations and can even aid the spread of diseases these little invaders are known to carry. Instead of letting the mice have their way or battling them on your own, give us a call at Advantage Termite & Pest Control. We’ll work with you to devise a swift and effective solution to your rodent problem. Call us at first sight — we do it right!
