What Do Mice Eat?
Mice are an unfortunately common sight in homes throughout the year. They are quiet, quite skilled at squeezing through holes in walls, and can chew through practically anything in their path with teeth that are quite literally iron-infused..
You may spot them scurrying along your baseboards or hear them rustling behind your walls, but no matter where they are, these tiny invaders can quickly become a big problem.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at mice’s diets and chewing habits to learn what draws them to your home, the damage they can cause, methods of getting rid of mice, and—most importantly—how Brooks Pest Solutions can keep them at bay.
What Attracts Mice to Your House?
Like all pests, mice seek out food, shelter, and water—especially when these necessities become scarce outdoors during the winter.
That’s why kitchens are a hot spot for mice infestations, with crumbs hiding between appliances and forgotten food in pantries serving as easy meals. However, mice don’t always appear where the food is. They’re just as likely to emerge from ceilings, walls, or even your toilet plumbing, accessing your home through the smallest openings.
Mice are also drawn to your home as it provides materials they can use for their nests. Fiberglass insulation, drywall, and even paper make perfect candidates, giving mice everything they need to settle in and multiply.
Non-Food Things Mice Like To Chew On
Mice are notorious chewers, but the damage they cause often has little to do with food. Their need to gnaw comes from their nesting process and the constant growth of their teeth.
Your Home’s Insulation
As we mentioned earlier, mice specifically target your home’s fiberglass insulation as nesting material, and when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. After all, humans and mice use insulation for the same purpose—to keep warm. A well-insulated home is just as appealing to these rodents as it is to us, and they won’t hesitate to strip pieces of insulation away to line their nests.
If you start noticing insulation where it shouldn’t be—under your fridge, behind your oven, or scattered in other unusual places—it could be a strong indicator of a hidden mouse infestation.
The Wiring in Your Walls
Remember those sharp, iron-infused teeth we discussed? Their yellow-orange color comes from the iron content, which also makes them incredibly strong. But here’s the catch—mouse teeth never stop growing, meaning mice must constantly gnaw to keep them from overgrowing. Unfortunately, that means your walls, flooring, and even your electrical wiring become prime targets.
Mice chewing on electrical wires can lead to major hazards to your home, including power outages, expensive repairs, and even an increased risk of electrical fires. What starts as a few unnoticed chew marks behind your walls can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
How To Get Rid of Mice in Your House With Brooks Pest Solutions
While store-bought traps might catch a mouse or two, they won’t target the infestation at its source. Remember, if you see one mouse, there could be dozens more hiding out of sight. Mice are social creatures that breed quickly, meaning a small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation in no time.
That’s where we come in. Brooks Pest Solutions specializes in pest control for mice, and our technicians take a comprehensive approach to rodent control, conducting a thorough inspection to identify and treat where mice currently inhabit and the areas they are likely to target in the future.
You don’t have to let mice take over your home. Call Brooks Pest Solutions today to learn more and request a quote, and let us help you take back control of your space!