Diet and Behavior
Although mice prefer seeds and grains, they eat many different types of foods and are considered to be “nibblers” because they sample all the different foods that may be in their environment. Foods that are particularly high in fat, protein, or sugar such as bacon, chocolate, butter, and nutmeats are typically preffered even when grain and seeds are present. House mice can also survive with little to no free water, and can obtain their water from the food they eat.
House mice have physical capabilities that enable them to gain entry to structures by gnawing, climbing, jumping, and swimming. Studies indicate that during its daily activities, a mouse normally travels an area averaging 10 to 30 feet in diameter. Mice seldom travel farther than this to obtain food or water. Because of their limited movement and feeding behavior they are much more difficult to control in some situations. By constantly exploring and learning about their environment, mice memorize the locations of pathways, obstacles, food and water, shelter, and other elements in their domain. They quickly detect new objects in their environment but do not fear them.