What do mice chew in a house? - briefly
Mice commonly gnaw on electrical wiring, insulation, wooden structures, drywall, and food packaging found inside residential buildings. Their chewing also includes paper products, plastic cords, and soft furnishings, which can cause damage and health hazards.
What do mice chew in a house? - in detail
Mice constantly gnaw to keep their incisors from overgrowing, targeting materials that are readily available in domestic environments. Their chewing activity damages structural components, compromises safety, and creates pathways for further infestation.
Commonly gnawed items include:
- Electrical wiring insulation, leading to short circuits and fire hazards.
- Wooden framing, baseboards, and furniture, weakening structural integrity.
- Plastic components such as pipe sleeves, storage containers, and appliance housings.
- Soft fabrics, including upholstery, curtains, and clothing, resulting in holes and contamination.
- Foam insulation and rubber seals, reducing thermal efficiency and allowing drafts.
- Paper products, cardboard boxes, and books, providing easy sources of cellulose.
- Food packaging, especially thin plastic or foil, granting direct access to stored provisions.
Additional materials occasionally affected are:
- Calcium-rich substances like plaster and drywall, where mice rasp surfaces to obtain minerals.
- Garden mulch and soil brought indoors, offering nesting material and supplemental nutrients.
Understanding the range of substrates prone to gnawing enables targeted prevention, such as sealing gaps, using rodent‑resistant materials, and maintaining a clean, clutter‑free interior. Regular inspection of the listed items helps identify early signs of activity before extensive damage occurs.