What do mice eat in an apartment? - briefly
Mice in a dwelling commonly feed on grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, pet kibble, crumbs, and any accessible processed foods, and they may also gnaw on cardboard, packaging, or occasional insects.
What do mice eat in an apartment? - in detail
Mice are opportunistic omnivores that exploit any edible material found within a living space. Their diet in an apartment consists of the following categories:
- Stored human food – grains, cereals, pasta, rice, flour, sugar, snack chips, crackers, and dried fruit provide carbohydrates and sugars. Processed meats, cheese, and pet food supply protein and fat.
- Fresh produce – fruit, vegetables, and herbs left uncovered or in the trash deliver moisture, vitamins, and additional carbohydrates.
- Pet supplies – dry kibble, canned food, and treats are high‑energy sources that attract rodents when accessible.
- Garbage and compost – kitchen waste, food scraps, and organic residues offer a mixture of nutrients and easy‑to‑digest material.
- Non‑food items – cardboard boxes, paper, book bindings, and insulation contain starches, cellulose, and protein that mice gnaw for both nutrition and dental maintenance.
- Structural contaminants – mold‑infested drywall, leaky pipes, and damp wood can supply fungi and bacteria that serve as supplemental protein sources.
Mice prioritize items with high moisture content and readily accessible sugars, then shift to protein‑rich sources when available. Their consumption pattern changes with human activity: frequent meal preparation increases availability of fresh produce, while infrequent cleaning raises the presence of stale crumbs and waste. Proper storage of dry goods, sealed trash containers, and removal of pet food after feeding reduce the range of edible resources and limit rodent sustenance.