How Pet Food Attracts House Mice

House mice are omnivores. They will eat everything from plants to seeds, insects and even other mice. This means that they seek to have a balanced diet of carbs, fats and protein. A great source of protein and fats is of course pet food, and this food item can be a big draw for house mice and lead to infestations.

The diet of the mouse

So what exactly do mice eat? Mice are omnivores so they will eat pretty much anything that is edible. However, they do prefer foods that are safe and nutritious. Pet food can be one of these foods, since it is specifically designed to appeal to animals in terms of smell, taste and nutritional profile.

How pet food can lead to a mouse infestation

Pet food can lead to a mouse infestation if it is left out in the open. Make sure that you do not leave any food in your pet’s bowl overnight and that you clean up the bowl after every meal. You then want to keep the pet food inside a sealed plastic container so that it does not leak any of its smell and it cannot be reached by rodents.

Other factors that can lead to infestation

Obviously, all types of food that we enjoy can attract mice, so virtually all the food in the home should be kept in sealed containers. Mice also enjoy eating trash and food that we throw away, which is why you want to make sure that all your garbage is kept in sealed containers. Some non-food related draws include clutter and sources of water. Clutter provides ample shelter and cover for the mice as they travel around, so it should be kept to a minimum, and the mice will be drawn to leaky pipes because they provide a persistent source of water.

What to do once the infestation has started.

Once a mouse infestation is already underway, then it’s time to move onto control. At this stage, it’s best to work with a pest control team that will be able to remove the infestation completely using either traps or poisons. It’s very important to get rid of every single mouse in the home, otherwise you are at risk for reinfestation.

For more information on how mouse infestations start, or if you have a mouse infestation in your home, contact us today and we will gladly help you out.