6 Things Mice Like to Eat

Mouse on a kitchen countertop, looking for things mice like to eat

Mice may be tiny, but once they find their way into your home, their appetites can create big problems. Imagine this: you’ve left an open bag of rice in the pantry or your pet’s food out overnight. It’s not a big deal, right? But to a mouse, it’s an open invitation. One mouse comes in, and before you know it, they’ve invited the whole family, turning your pantry into their personal buffet.

What starts as a minor nuisance can quickly get out of hand. But don’t worry—we’re here to help. Below, we’ll break down six foods that mice love and a few simple tips to keep them away. Plus, we’ll share how choosing professional rodent control can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run. Let us do the hard work for you—it’s more effective and way less stressful!

What Do Mice Like to Eat?

mice in a pet food dish, demonstrating how mice like to eat pet food.

1. Grains and Seeds

Grains and seeds are a favorite for mice. Whether it’s rice, oats, or birdseed, mice will happily snack away if they find them. These food items are commonly stored in cardboard boxes, which are easy for mice to chew through.

Our Tip: Store grains, seeds, and even pet food in airtight containers to keep mice from finding an easy meal.

2. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of the most effective baits for mouse traps because it’s irresistible to them. Packed with calories and nutrients, it’s no surprise that mice eat peanut butter whenever they get the chance.

Our Tip: Keep peanut butter and other high-calorie snacks stored safely to avoid attracting mice into your kitchen.

3. Sweet Foods like Dried Fruit

Mice love sugar, and dried fruits are full of it. If you leave dried fruits out, you might be surprised to find that mice eat these snacks as quickly as they can find them.

Our Tip: Always store sweet snacks like dried fruit in tightly sealed containers to keep mice away.

4. Pet Food

Your pet’s kibble is just as appealing to mice as it is to your furry friend. Mice eat any food left out, especially if it's available overnight.

Our Tip: Don’t leave pet food out for too long, and store it in containers that mice can’t chew through.

5. Cardboard and Paper

While not a typical food source, mice will chew through cardboard, paper, and other materials to help build nests. If you have cardboard boxes lying around, mice eat through these materials to make cozy homes.

Our Tip: Keep your storage areas organized and reduce clutter, especially old cardboard boxes, to deter mice from nesting.

6. Food Scraps in Trash

Mice are scavengers and will eat just about anything they can find in your trash, including meat, leftovers, and other food scraps. If your trash cans aren’t sealed properly, mice will view them as a buffet.

Our Tip: Make sure your trash cans are sealed tightly, both inside and outside your home, to keep mice out of your garbage.

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Home

It’s not just about keeping food sealed; mice are clever at finding any hidden snack or place to build a nest. Here’s how you can make sure they stay out of your home:

Store Food Properly

To prevent mice from sneaking into your pantry, make sure all food is sealed in airtight containers. This is especially important for grains, seeds, and snacks, which are their top favorites.

Declutter and Clean Regularly

Mice love clutter. Piles of papers, boxes, or even forgotten storage areas provide perfect nesting sites. Keep your home clean and organized, reducing potential hiding spots for mice.

Use Professional Rodent Control

Sealing food and cleaning can help, but mice are persistent. That’s why Alta Pest Control offers effective solutions like bait boxes and sticky traps to stop them for good. Let our team handle the hard work and keep your home mouse-free, hassle-free.

Watch for Signs of Mice

It’s important to catch a mouse infestation early. Be on the lookout for:

Chewed Packaging and Droppings

Mice leave behind clues like gnaw marks on food packages or small droppings around food sources. These are clear signs that mice eat their way through your home, so keep an eye out.

Why Choose Professional Rodent Control?

Alta Pest Control technician smiling and leaning up against a truck, about to perform a rodent control service

At Alta Pest Control, we know how challenging it can be to deal with a mouse problem on your own. That’s why our rodent control services are not only highly effective but also affordable. Our bait boxes and sticky traps work wonders, and the best part is that we handle everything for you.

When you choose us, you're investing in long-term protection. We make sure your home is free of mice and stays that way. Plus, with our guarantee, you’ll never have to worry about paying more for additional treatments.

Our Promise: When you choose Alta Pest Control, you’re getting more than just rodent control—you’re getting peace of mind. Let us do the hard work so you don’t have to!

Ready to protect your home from mice? Contact us today, and we’ll take care of everything!