What does a field mouse eat in the garden? - briefly
In a garden, a field mouse eats seeds, grains, nuts, fresh vegetables, fruit, and occasionally insects such as beetles and larvae.
What does a field mouse eat in the garden? - in detail
Field mice are opportunistic foragers that exploit a wide range of garden resources. Their diet can be divided into three primary categories: plant material, animal matter, and anthropogenic foods.
- Vegetative parts – seedlings, tender leaves, and flower buds of vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, and beans; soft stems of herbs like dill and parsley; and the tender shoots of ornamental plants. Seeds from grasses, cereals, and weeds are also consumed, especially in early spring when they are abundant.
- Fruits and seeds – fallen berries, strawberries, raspberries, and cherries; seed heads of sunflowers, corn, and wheat; nuts and kernels that have dropped to the soil surface.
- Invertebrates – earthworms, larvae, and pupae of beetles, flies, and moths; small spiders; and occasionally aphids or other soft-bodied insects. These protein sources become more important during the breeding season and when plant food is scarce.
- Supplementary items – discarded kitchen waste, compost material, and pet food left outdoors. These high‑energy foods can sustain mice during winter months when natural supplies diminish.
Seasonal shifts alter the relative importance of each group. In spring and early summer, fresh shoots and seeds dominate the intake. Mid‑summer sees an increase in fruit consumption, while autumn and winter prompt a greater reliance on stored seeds, nuts, and animal protein. Water is obtained from dew, moist soil, and plant sap, but mice will also drink from puddles or garden fountains.
Understanding these preferences helps gardeners implement targeted deterrents, such as securing seed heads, removing fallen fruit promptly, and maintaining clean compost areas.