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What Do Mice Eat

Although mice are herbivorous in nature, they have been known to exhibit cannibalistic behavior. In times of starvation, females may consume their offspring and some mice may consume their own tails. However, this behavior is generally only exhibited when under duress. The only truly carnivorous mouse is the grasshopper mouse.

Mice prefer to consume grains, fruits and seeds and as such, may cause severe damage to crops and domestic gardens. Although it is commonly believed that mice are attracted to cheese, they tend to prefer foods that are higher in carbohydrates. Chocolate may be more effective bait for mice than cheese. However, domestic mice are indiscriminate and will consume any food source available to them. They commonly disturb trashcans in search of food and are capable of surviving for long periods with very little food. 

Mice may also gnaw on other, seemingly inedible materials. Electrical wiring, cardboard boxes, paper and other household items may exhibit chew marks. However, this destruction is caused as a result of the mouse's nesting habits. Mice live and breed in dark areas that are typically inaccessible to humans. They build their nests from found objects.  

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