The house mouse is one of the last guests that you want to have in your home, and you may have even taken measures to prevent an infestation from happening. Measures such as sealing the exterior of the home, and keeping your food sealed can be great, but there may be something that you’re leaving out in the open and which could nullify all your other efforts. That something is pet food.
The food that mice like
Mice are omnivores, meaning that they eat just about everything. And like us, they will need to find carbs, protein and fats in order to survive. In nature, these macronutrients are provided by nuts, insects, fruit and any other morsel of food that the mice can find. Indoors however, these macros are plentiful. You have cereals in your cupboards, leftovers, spills, and one of the worst culprits – pet food. Yes, pet food is a delicacy for house mice, just like it is for dogs and cats. It’s filled with flavor and nutrients and it is a big draw for rodents.
Making sure pet food doesn’t draw in mice
To make sure that pet food doesn’t attract mice, you have to make sure that the mice cannot smell it. Mice have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, to where they can smell food that is out in the open form the outside of the home. This means that you will have to clean your pet bowls after each meal and that you keep your pet food in sealed containers, just like you would with any other type of food if you were trying to prevent a house mouse infestation.
How to control a mouse infestation once it starts
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, an infestation can still occur. After all, even a home with no accessible food still offers shelter and warmth, so mice will still try to get into the building. It is at this point that you will need the help of a pro to get the infestation under control. Some homeowners choose to go with the DIY path when dealing with an infestation, but these efforts are usually not enough to get rid of the entire mouse population, leaving the home open to reinfestation. For more information on how to keep mice out of your home, or if you are currently dealing with a house mouse infestation, contact us today.
