Mice are omnivorous rodents that thrive in diverse environments, often near human settlements. Their varied diet relies heavily on plant matter, particularly high-energy sources like seeds and starches. The species most commonly encountered are the house mouse (Mus musculus) and the field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus). Understanding the types of vegetation they consume helps identify activity and protect resources, as these small mammals seek foods providing maximum caloric return.
Staple Diet Seeds and Grains
The backbone of a mouse’s diet consists of seeds and dried grains, providing the necessary carbohydrates and fats for their high metabolism. These energy-rich sources fuel the constant movement of these small animals. Common examples include cereal grains such as wheat, oats, and corn, often accessed in storage areas or agricultural fields. Mice also target oil-rich seeds like sunflower seeds, frequently found in bird feeders and pet food.
Stored starches, such as dried pasta, rice, and nuts, are high-value food items when mice inhabit human dwellings. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume these items if they gain access to pantries or food storage containers. Field mice seek out acorns and other nuts in natural settings, often hoarding them for later consumption.
Garden and Cultivated Crop Consumption
Mice are significant garden pests, targeting fresh produce that is easy to access and rich in sugar or starch. Newly planted seeds are a prime target; mice are adept at digging up and consuming the seeds of peas, beans, and sweet corn before they can germinate. They frequently choose soft, ripening fruits and vegetables resting on or near the ground, such as strawberries, melons, and tomatoes. Mice also consume developing green beans, peas, and the seeds within mature corn cobs. Root vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and turnips, are also vulnerable, as mice will burrow into the soil to gnaw on the tubers and roots.
Foraging and Wild Vegetation Sources
When high-calorie staples or cultivated crops are unavailable, mice broaden their diet to include wild vegetation. They forage for the seeds of grasses and weeds, consuming the leaves and stems of various plants to obtain moisture and nutrients. Clover and other low-growing leafy greens are common food sources in meadows and fields.
During colder months, when surface vegetation is scarce, mice turn underground to roots and bulbs. They are known to consume the bulbs of tulips and crocus, especially shortly after planting. This consumption of wild plant matter provides crucial sustenance, demonstrating their adaptability as generalist foragers.
Identifying Feeding Patterns and Damage
Recognizing the specific damage caused by mice helps distinguish their activity from other small garden mammals. Mice leave very small, fine, and uneven gnaw marks, typically one to two millimeters wide, on stems, bark, and fruits. They often create a clean, small hole in the side of soft produce to access the interior flesh.
A primary sign of feeding on seeds and grains is dehusking behavior. Mice efficiently remove the outer shell or husk of a seed, such as wheat or sunflower seeds, consuming only the nutritious inner kernel and leaving a pile of empty casings. In gardens, mouse activity is indicated by small holes in the soil near planted seeds or bulbs, or the presence of shallow, narrow runways just beneath the soil surface. Damage to young seedlings is characterized by the plant being clipped cleanly at the base, with the entire small plant segment missing.