Rats and mice are common household invaders, thriving where human activity provides consistent shelter and sustenance. Understanding what these creatures prefer to eat is the most effective starting point for identifying an infestation and implementing successful control measures. Their dietary habits influence their behavior around new food sources, which is a significant factor in trapping success. Effective pest management requires knowledge of their feeding biologies, the most appealing foods for luring them, and the systematic denial of accessible food and water supplies.
Dietary Profiles: Rats Versus Mice
The feeding habits of the common house mouse and the Norway rat differ significantly, which is important for any control strategy. Rats are true omnivores, meaning their diet is highly varied and includes grains, fruits, vegetables, and meat products. An adult rat typically consumes 15 to 20 grams of food daily, often preferring high-protein sources like meat or fish.
Rats exhibit neophobia, a pronounced wariness of new objects or foods in their environment. When presented with a novel food source, a rat consumes only a small sample, waiting to see if it causes illness before committing to a full meal. This caution means that a rat infestation can be difficult to manage with bait alone, as they often take several days to become accustomed to a new food item.
Mice, by contrast, are primarily granivores, preferring seeds, grains, and carbohydrates, though they will consume nearly any human food they encounter. They are curious creatures that exhibit neophilia, readily exploring and sampling new foods introduced into their territory. This curiosity means they are generally easier to lure quickly with a novel bait.
Mice are also known for their characteristic “nibbling” behavior, consuming small amounts of food in multiple locations rather than settling in for a large meal. An adult mouse requires a much smaller intake, consuming only about 4 to 5 grams of food per day. This low requirement means small crumbs left on a countertop can sustain a mouse, making sanitation a constant necessity.
Top Choices for Luring and Control
While rats and mice have distinct natural diets, the most effective baits for luring them into traps or feeding stations share common characteristics: a strong aroma and a high concentration of fat or sugar. The strong scent profile quickly draws the rodent’s attention away from established food sources. High-calorie density is also attractive, as rodents constantly seek energy-rich foods.
Peanut butter is widely considered one of the best baits for both species because it offers an ideal combination of strong nutty aroma, high fat content, and a sticky texture. The stickiness is a mechanical advantage, preventing the rodent from easily stealing the bait without engaging the trap mechanism. A small, pea-sized amount is sufficient and often more effective than a large lump.
Sweet treats like chocolate, hazelnut spread, or soft, sugary candies are highly effective, particularly for mice, due to their preference for high-sugar foods. Chocolate offers a potent combination of sugar and fat that mice find irresistible. For rats, which prefer protein, savory baits like soft cheese, uncooked bacon, or a hot dog segment can be more appealing than purely sweet items.
The consistency of the bait is crucial for success, especially on snap traps. Using a soft, moldable bait like peanut butter or soft cheese allows the user to press it firmly onto the trap’s trigger plate. This forces the rodent to work at the bait, maximizing the chance of triggering the mechanism and preventing the food from being carried away undetected.
Eliminating Accessible Food Sources
Long-term control depends less on trapping and more on eliminating the food and water sources that sustain rodent populations. Rodents are less likely to stay if they cannot reliably access the resources needed to survive. Effective sanitation and secure storage are the foundational steps of prevention.
Securing Dry Goods
All dry goods, including flour, sugar, cereal, and pet food, should be transferred out of their original packaging and into thick plastic, glass, or metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Rodents easily chew through cardboard boxes and thin plastic bags, so these materials offer no protection. Pet food, a common and highly palatable source, should never be left out overnight in bowls and must be stored securely.
Sanitation and Water Denial
Immediate and thorough cleanup of all food debris is necessary, as mice can survive on very small amounts of food per day. This includes wiping down countertops, sweeping up crumbs, and washing dishes promptly after use. Garbage receptacles must be secured with tight lids, preferably using thick metal or plastic cans that cannot be gnawed through.
Addressing water sources is equally important, as both rats and mice require regular access to water. Homeowners should repair leaky pipes or faucets and ensure areas like laundry rooms and utility sinks are kept dry. Removing standing water and ensuring pet water bowls are not left out overnight significantly reduces the attractiveness of a home environment to rodents.