Mice, or Mus musculus, are tiny rodents in the mammal family that originated in Central Asia. Since they've lived near humans for a long time, these rodents have adapted to thrive in various environments. An important thing to note when looking at mouse behavior is their intelligence and ability to quickly multiply and fit through small gaps, making them hard to eliminate. If you ever see a mouse in your home, it's essential to call professional rodent control services immediately.

Understanding how mice behave

Mice, often grouped as a "horde," are social creatures. They live in communities with complex structures, showing both territorial and cooperative behaviors. Mice communicate through sounds and touch, forming strong bonds within their groups. Traits of a mouse, like their intelligence and adaptability, allow them to live in various indoor or outdoor environments. Their interactions with humans range from inquisitive to cautious, often perceived as pests. However, how they get along with other animals can lead to them living peacefully together or becoming prey, depending on the species involved. Mainly active at night, mice use their exceptional memory and problem-solving skills to navigate and remember routes to food sources or steer clear of danger when foraging.

Do mice really eat cheese?

Debunking one of the most common misconceptions about mouse behavior, although mice may eat cheese, they do not have a specific preference. Instead, their natural diet consists of grains, fruits, and seeds. These rodents are omnivorous and favor foods that are easily accessible and digestible. Mice tend to consume small amounts of food regularly throughout the night. This eating behavior is crucial for their survival, enabling them to maintain energy levels while remaining alert to potential predators.

Mice eating cheese

The different habitats of mice

Mice are adaptable rodents that find homes both inside and outside human dwellings. Outside, they are often found in fields, forests, and gardens, where they create intricate burrow systems for shelter and to store food. On the other hand, when living inside homes, mice prefer quiet and hidden areas such as attics, basements, and within wall cavities.

The adaptability and survival skills of mice

In the wild, mice primarily consume grains, fruits, and seeds, often storing excess for lean times. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food and evade predators, with a particular affinity for sweet and fatty foods. Mice have an aversion to strong, pungent odors such as peppermint, citronella, and ammonia.

One of the most impressive traits of a mouse is its ability to squeeze through incredibly narrow spaces—as small as a dime. Their natural sense of direction allows them to easily find their way back to their nests or locate food sources despite the complexity of the terrain. Mice also can produce numerous offspring in a relatively short period. This prolific breeding makes their populations quick to recover and expand, even when facing potential threats or reductions.

Mouse poking out of wall

The impact of mice on science and history

Mice have long been a subject of interest in scientific studies due to their strikingly similar genetic, biological, and behavioral patterns to humans. This close resemblance enables scientists to better understand human genetics, diseases, and treatments by observing mouse behavior and physiology in controlled environments. Mice have contributed to numerous breakthroughs in medical research, leading to advancements in understanding various diseases.

Additionally, the domestication of mice as pets can be traced back to the 1700s for science and entertainment.1 Selective breeding not only made them more docile but also brought out a variety of colors and patterns, making them appealing to keep as pets.

Why mice enter homes

One fact about mice is that they are naturally attracted to food sources, warmth, and shelter. While they might seem harmless, their presence can lead to severe issues, including food contamination, damage to property from their gnawing, and the risk of diseases they can potentially carry.

Understanding mouse behavior is critical to effective prevention and control. At Terminix, our experienced technicians know how mice think and act. With Terminix's mouse prevention and rodent control services, you can help safeguard your home against infestations. Get started with a mouse inspection today!

1Information on mice domestication sources from the National Human Genome Institute.