What do mice and rats gnaw on? - briefly
Mice and rats chew on materials including wood, plastic, foam, cardboard, insulation, electrical wiring, and various foodstuffs. Their ever‑growing incisors compel them to gnaw constantly to prevent overgrowth.
What do mice and rats gnaw on? - in detail
Rodents continuously file their incisors, so they seek materials that satisfy both nutritional needs and the mechanical demand of tooth wear.
Wood, especially soft varieties such as pine, cedar or untreated lumber, provides easy‑to‑chew fibers and contributes to dental abrasion. Fruit, seeds, and grains furnish sugars and starches that supply energy; mice and rats readily nibble on corn kernels, wheat, oats, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit.
Animal protein appears in carrion, insects, and pet food, offering essential amino acids. In domestic settings, these pests exploit household items: cardboard boxes, paper towels, plastic packaging, and electrical wiring insulation. The latter contains soft polymer sheaths that are attractive for gnawing, potentially creating fire hazards.
A typical diet includes:
- Fresh produce: vegetables, leafy greens, fruits
- Stored commodities: cereals, nuts, dried legumes
- Structural materials: untreated wood, paper, cardboard
- Synthetic substrates: plastic, rubber, cable insulation
Water sources are equally vital; rodents drink from open containers, pet bowls, and condensation on surfaces. The combination of fibrous plant matter, high‑energy seeds, occasional protein, and readily available gnawable objects ensures continuous tooth maintenance and sustains growth.