So, youre against having mice make your house their new safe haven? Join the crowd. But what if youre accidentally inviting mice to move in? Its not unheard of. The truth is that it’s hard to avoid a mouse problem if you don’t know what draws them in.
This list has 10 things that mice love, along with easy ways to keep them out of your stuff and your house in general.
Mice adore cereal above all else. Their all-time favorite? Grains, like oats and wheat. Thats because they can hold onto them, nibbling their way through cereal pieces like corn on the cob.
The fix: Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and chip-clip closures can still lure mice in for a cereal meal. Instead, transfer your cereals, oats, rice, popcorn, beans, and grains to airtight containers. Pickle or canning jars that have been recycled and have lids that fit tightly work well. So do stackable kitchen containers that have lids that seal. And clean out the pantry. Those little crumbs? Thats what attracts mice.
Bacon is one of the most popular and delicious breakfast foods around. The crispy, salty, smoky flavor of bacon is hard to resist for humans and animals alike But do mice eat bacon too?
The short answer is yes. Mice love bacon and it can be an extremely effective bait and attractant for dealing with mouse problems in your home. In this article, we’ll look at why mice are so attracted to bacon, the benefits and risks of using bacon as mouse bait, and some tips for using bacon to help get rid of mice.
Why Do Mice Love Bacon So Much?
There are a few key reasons why bacon is so irresistible to mice:
High-Fat Content
Mice need to consume a lot of calories relative to their small body size in order to maintain their high metabolism and activity levels. Bacon is high in fat, providing 9 grams of fat per slice. The high fat content of bacon means it packs a lot of calories into a small package, making it an excellent source of energy for mice.
Strong Smell
Mice have an excellent sense of smell and are attracted to strong food odors. The smoky, salty, fatty scent of bacon is like catnip for mice, drawing them in from long distances. Mice can smell a piece of bacon from across a room or even through walls, making it easy for them to locate.
Tasty Flavor
In addition to smell, mice also use taste to find food. And the strong, savory umami flavor of bacon is highly palatable to mice. When mice encounter the rich taste of bacon, they will gobble it up quickly.
High in Protein
While the fat content of bacon is the main appeal it also provides a good amount of protein at about 4 grams per slice. Protein provides amino acids that are essential for growth and maintenance in mice.
Easy to Chew
Bacon that has been cooked is soft and moist, which makes it perfect for mice to chew on. It’s easy for their small jaws to bite through, but it still packs a big flavor punch.
Benefits of Using Bacon as Mouse Bait
Because mice find it so desirable bacon can be a very useful tool in your mouse control efforts
Powerful Lure
Bacon is one of the best baits and lures for mice because it smells and tastes so good. It only takes a little bacon to get mice to fall into live traps or snap traps, which kill them.
Convenient and Cheap
Bacon is readily available at any grocery store and is relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy thinner cut store brand bacon. It provides an easy and affordable bait option.
Works Fast
Mice take the bait quickly when bacon is used. The appeal of bacon means mice will target it right away instead of ignoring traps or bait stations. This means faster results when trying to remove mice.
Versatile
Bacon can be used on all types of mouse traps and stations. Crumble it up for lethal traps, put slices in live traps, place it in bait boxes, or make a trail. Bacon also stays put well without drying out.
Safe for Pets
Dogs love bacon too but it is generally less tempting and risky for them compared to other baits like peanut butter. Bacon grease residue is not enough to harm pets.
So using bacon as mouse bait provides a powerful attractant that is versatile, fast-acting, and budget-friendly.
Risks of Using Bacon as Bait
While bacon bait has many advantages, there are also some risks to keep in mind:
Other Animals Attracted
The smell of bacon may lure in other animals like rats, squirrels, possums, raccoons, cats, dogs, and others. Traps should be placed carefully to avoid catching unintended animals.
Spoilage
Bacon can spoil at room temperature within 1-2 days. Old, rotten bacon bait will repel mice so it needs to be changed frequently for best results.
Greasiness
Excess bacon grease can cause traps and bait stations to be slippery and less effective. Bacon also leaves behind grease stains.
Theft by Other Pests
Cockroaches and ants are also attracted to bacon. They can steal bait from traps and contaminate it before mice take it.
Hazards for Children and Pets
Loose bacon bait poses a choking risk for kids and pets. Lethal traps and bait stations must be kept out of reach and monitored carefully.
So while very appealing to mice, bacon bait does need some precautions and extra effort to avoid problems. Following usage tips can help maximize success and safety.
Tips for Using Bacon as Mouse Bait
Here are some recommendations if you want to use bacon as mouse bait:
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Use thin bacon slices – more surface area releases more scent.
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Cook bacon fully until crisp – keeps better than raw.
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Crumble bacon into small pieces – covers trap trigger plates better.
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Refresh bait every 1-2 days – prevents spoilage issues.
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Use bacon
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#4 Feeds & Seeds
Animal food, bird seed, and grass seed bags, whether they are closed or open, are treats for mice whether you keep them in the kitchen, the basement, on the porch, or the garage.
The fix: Store bulk foods properly. Move feeds and seeds to food storage bins made of metal or plastic, and make sure they are covered securely when not in use.
#3 Paper, Cloth, & Burlap
These things in your home can be books, linens, clothes, family heirlooms, or decorations. Mice can tear them up to use as nesting materials.
The fix: Lidded plastic tubs and tote boxes to the rescue again. But you can also deter mice with odors they abhor, such as peppermint. Do not put oil-soaked cotton balls or Tomcat® Repellents Rodent Repellent Continuous Spray on or near the things that are being stored; instead, use them around the entrances to those areas.
What Mice Eat – The Complete List of What Mice Feed On!
FAQ
Is bacon good mouse bait?
Do mice like the smell of bacon?
Can mice have bacon?
Does bacon attract rats?
Can mice eat bacon?
Feeding your furry little friend bacon, sausages, salami, among other processed meat, is a big no-no. This is because they contain spices and seasonings that are very toxic to your pet. It’s not healthy to feed your mice meat all the time. Your pet also needs a balanced diet. Here are other foods that mice should eat. 1. Vegetables
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Can rats eat bacon?
It is obvious that very streaky bacon has plenty of fat, which is attractive to rats (see peanut butter and crackers, below). Laying bits of hot dog or bacon, whether raw or cooked, is helpful as bait for various kinds of traps, especially snap and live traps.
Do mice eat food?
Mice are attracted to almost any easily accessible food. Before setting mouse traps, it helps to look around the space to see if there are any exposed food items that mice could be feeding on. So what do mice like to eat? Do mice eat meat? Do mice like peanut butter? Although mice typically eat grains, seeds, and fruit, their diet isn’t selective.