Mice are common rodents, adapting to diverse habitats including human dwellings and agricultural areas. As omnivores, their diet consists of both plant and animal matter, allowing them to consume a wide range of available food sources.
Mice and Corn Consumption
Mice readily consume corn in many forms. They eat fresh corn directly from the cob in fields or gardens, often damaging crops. Dried kernels, whether shelled or on the cob, are also a favored food for mice.
Beyond whole kernels, mice are attracted to processed corn products like cornmeal, corn-based cereals, and popped corn. Its widespread availability and ease of consumption make it highly appealing.
Why Corn Attracts Mice
Corn appeals to mice primarily due to its high carbohydrate content, which provides a concentrated energy source essential for their active metabolism. This caloric density is attractive to foraging rodents seeking efficient fuel. The natural sweetness and texture of corn also contribute to its desirability, making it a preferred food item.
Corn is often easily accessible to mice, whether in agricultural fields, stored in barns, or as spilled kernels in pantries and homes. This widespread presence makes it a consistent and attractive food option.
Potential Effects of Corn on Mice
Corn provides a significant energy source for mice, offering necessary calories for their survival. Fresh corn may offer some dietary fiber and folate, which can be components of a varied diet for mice. However, corn alone does not provide a balanced diet, and over-reliance can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Despite its appeal, corn can pose several risks to mice. Field corn may carry harmful pesticide or herbicide residues. Stored corn is susceptible to mold growth, producing mycotoxins like aflatoxins, fumonisins, and deoxynynivalenol (DON). These toxins can cause serious health issues, including liver damage, neurological problems, reduced weight gain, cancer, or death, depending on the type and concentration. Additionally, larger, unpopped corn kernels could present a choking hazard for smaller mice.
Preventing Mice from Accessing Corn
To deter mice from accessing corn, proper storage is important. All corn products, including seeds and animal feed, should be stored in airtight containers made of durable materials like metal or thick glass that mice cannot chew through. Elevating stored corn off the ground also limits access.
Regular cleaning is another effective measure, as spilled kernels or crumbs attract mice. Sealing entry points into homes or storage areas is important, using materials like steel wool, cement, or metal to block small gaps and cracks. Removing outdoor debris, such as woodpiles and overgrown vegetation near corn areas, eliminates potential hiding and nesting spots for mice. Physical barriers around garden corn, such as plastic bottles or mesh cages, also provide protection.