Did you know that certain foods in your cupboard can particularly tempt mice to settle in? It’s best to take precautions before the nuisances start.
Pest experts agree that whether you already have mice in your home or not, certain foods need to be treated with care to prevent mice from finding your home too welcoming. And contrary to popular belief, mice are not particularly fond of Gruyere cheese as seen in cartoons, but rather appreciate simple ingredients that everyone has in their cupboards. In reality, mice generally prefer things that are high in sugar. Conversely, they hate other foods and this can be very useful in keeping them away. So be aware that they do not like garlic, peppermint or spices like cayenne pepper.
To prevent mice from taking up residence in your home, don’t attract them! To do this, nothing could be simpler: simply place the most “sensitive” foods in airtight glass or plastic containers. Forget supermarket bags and cartons, because mice have a very keen sense of smell and will easily spot foods before nibbling on the packaging in the blink of an eye.
In cupboards, the first ingredients touched by mice will often be cereals and seeds. Rice, pasta and nuts of all kinds are particularly popular and should be sealed. Be careful not to drop a few grains in your cupboard when you use your containers or clean immediately, because a small amount can be enough to attract a hungry mouse. But that’s not all! Can’t do without chocolate? Be aware that mice love it too and may well nibble on your bar if it is not placed somewhere safe. The same goes for sweets since mice look for foods that will give them a quick energy boost. Another popular food, because it is a good source of energy: bread and biscuits. Place them in airtight containers and be careful not to leave crumbs on the kitchen floor or worktop because the mice will use them as a buffet. Finally, fruits and vegetables are also appreciated, so it is best to store them in the fridge and make sure that the peels are in a sealed bin.
And if you have pets, finally know that mice love cat and dog kibble, which contains all the nutrients necessary for good energy. So avoid leaving your pet’s bowl with leftover food outside of meal times and be careful with the storage bag.
