Mice are small, agile creatures with an impressive ability to chew through a variety of materials. Whether you’re trying to protect your home, food storage, or personal belongings, it’s important to know exactly what mice can and cannot chew through. In this article, we’ll explore the surprising things they love to chew on—and what they simply can’t get through. Plus, we’ll share some DIY tips to help you protect your home.
What Mice Can Chew Through
Mice have ever-growing teeth that they must constantly gnaw to keep them from growing too long. They’ll chew through almost anything in their path if they think it will help them access food, shelter, or even water. Here are some common materials mice love to chew through:
1. Wood
Mice are notorious for chewing through wood. While they may not be able to take down a solid oak tree, they’ll happily gnaw through wooden furniture, baseboards, and even structural beams. Wood is relatively soft compared to other materials, making it an easy target for their sharp teeth.
DIY Tip: If you notice chew marks on wooden furniture or beams, take immediate action by sealing any gaps with caulk or metal mesh to prevent further damage.
2. Cardboard and Paper
Cardboard is another material that mice are drawn to. They’ll chew through cardboard boxes, paper bags, and even old books or documents to create nests and gain access to food or other resources. The soft texture makes it easy for them to gnaw through, and the layers can provide a nice cushion for their nests.
DIY Tip: Keep food and other items stored in plastic containers with tight lids to avoid attracting mice to cardboard boxes. Regularly inspect your storage areas for signs of damage.
3. Plastic
Although plastic is stronger than wood, certain types, like thin plastic bags or containers, are no match for a determined mouse. They can easily gnaw through plastic bags and even some plastic containers, especially if they’re looking for food or nesting material.
DIY Tip: Store food in airtight glass or metal containers to prevent mice from getting into your pantry. Reinforce plastic bags and containers with secure closures to make them harder to chew through.
4. Wires and Cables
One of the most dangerous things mice can chew through is electrical wiring. They’re attracted to the soft rubber coating, and once they chew through the wires, it can lead to short circuits, fires, or even power outages. Wiring in walls and ceilings can be at risk, and so can your personal electronics.
DIY Tip: Regularly check wires, cables, and cords around your home for signs of gnawing. Use wire protectors or wrap exposed cables with metal or steel mesh to deter mice from chewing on them.
5. Insulation
Mice will chew through insulation to make cozy nests or gain easy access to other parts of your home. Insulation is typically made from soft materials, which makes it easy for mice to tear it apart.
DIY Tip: Inspect your attic and walls for signs of chewed-up insulation. If you notice any damage, replace it immediately and seal any gaps in your attic to prevent future access.
6. Cloth and Fabric
Mice are often attracted to soft, fabric-based materials. They’ll chew through clothes, curtains, blankets, and even upholstery to create nests or hide their food. Once they find a comfortable spot, they’ll tear up fabric and make it part of their home.
DIY Tip: Store clothing and fabrics in sealed bins or closets. If you have fabric-based furniture, consider using slipcovers to protect it from potential damage.
What Mice Cannot Chew Through
While mice have impressive chewing abilities, there are certain materials that they simply cannot get through, no matter how hard they try. Here are a few things that mice will steer clear of:
1. Steel and Metal Mesh
Steel and metal mesh are the most effective materials to prevent mice from chewing through. While they may be able to gnaw on softer materials, mice cannot break through solid metal, making it the perfect material to use in rodent-proofing your home.
DIY Tip: Use steel wool or wire mesh to seal any gaps around vents, windows, and doors. This will create a barrier that mice cannot chew through.
2. Concrete and Brick
Mice can’t chew through solid concrete or brick walls. If you have cracks or gaps in your foundation, mice may be able to enter, but they won’t be able to penetrate the concrete or brick itself.
DIY Tip: Inspect the foundation of your home for any cracks or openings. Fill these gaps with mortar or concrete to prevent mice from entering.
3. Glass
Glass is another material that mice can’t chew through. Unlike plastic or cardboard, glass is simply too hard for mice to gnaw through, so items stored in glass jars or containers will remain safe from their gnawing.
DIY Tip: Use glass jars or containers to store food and other items you want to protect from mice. Ensure that lids are tightly sealed.
4. Thick Rubber or Hard Plastics
While thin plastic may be vulnerable, thicker rubber or hard plastics are much more challenging for mice to chew through. These materials are tough and resistant to their teeth.
DIY Tip: If you’re storing items in plastic bins, choose thicker, harder plastic to make it harder for mice to break through.
Summary
Mice are persistent creatures, and their ability to chew through various materials makes them a real threat to your home. While they love to chew through soft materials like wood, cardboard, plastic, and cloth, there are certain items that mice simply cannot penetrate, such as steel, concrete, glass, and thick rubber.
To protect your home from potential damage, it’s crucial to use materials that are resistant to mice chewing and take proactive measures to seal entry points. If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, don’t hesitate to call for Same Day Rodent Control in Melbourne to ensure quick and effective treatment.
Published on: February 3, 2025