Surprisingly, cheese is not on the list!
6 Things that Attract Mice
Updated on Jan. 27, 2025
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Favorite Foods
Contrary to popular belief, mice are not that interested in cheese. However, they love peanut butter, chocolate, bacon and even hazelnut spread. Berries, pet food, nuts, meat and grains are also common mouse favorites.
These foods are even more likely to attract mice if you leave them unsecured in your pantry. “Don’t keep food lying around in the open, because this often acts as bait for foraging mice. All food should be kept in tightly sealed containers that mice are unable to puncture with their strong teeth,” advises pest control expert Meg Pearson. To prevent a mouse infestation, she recommends keeping all foods—including pet foods—securely stored in airtight containers. Additionally, a sprinkle of peppermint oil can help keep mice away without contaminating your food.
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Warmth
Mice are particularly adept at detecting warmth. When temperatures start to drop, they move towards any openings in walls that let off heat. Particular favorite warm nesting spots for mice include hot water heaters and even ovens. Check these locations often for pests.
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Excess Debris
Mice love to burrow to build their nests. As such, they need nest materials, such as those found in attics, garages or trash rooms. Mice will especially enjoy burrowing in old newspapers, cotton, wood, feathers and boxes. Declutter your house and take out the trash regularly to keep mice at bay.
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Nooks and Crannies
“Mice are able to squeeze through cracks in your home that are so small, you likely don’t even realize they’re there,” says Pearson. “Even if a crack is too small for a mouse to fit through, they can often chew around the crack to widen it enough for them to fit through anyway.”
Be aware any holes in your house’s exterior that are wider than a pencil. Fill them immediately, paying special attention to areas around entryways, pipes and electrical wiring.
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Tall Weeds
While the most common types of mice don’t love to eat tall grasses, they do use them for shelter. Piles of leaves and other yard debris can obscure the rodents, limiting detection. As such, be sure to clear your yard of debris frequently, especially during autumn as leaves pile up around the exterior of your house.
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Undisturbed Cars
Finally, mice can search for food, water and shelter inside your car, whether it’s parked in the driveway or in a garage. Cars that have lots of trash inside, such as food wrappers, are even more appealing. To deter the unwanted passengers, clean your car’s interior frequently. Using it often and performing routine mouse checks doesn’t hurt either.
About the Expert
- Meg Pearson is the Training Manager at Critter Control and is a recognized expert source in wildlife control and pest control.
