Did you know that mice have to continue chewing and gnawing on items to prevent their teeth from growing out of proportion? What can mice chew through?
Are you noticing teeth marks on various pieces of furniture or items around your house? Are you trying to prevent mice from chewing through packaging or valuables?
In this article, we will find out what can mice chew through.
What Can Mice Chew Through?
Mice can chew through all kinds of materials and items around your home. They have incisors that continue to constantly grow. They must continue gnawing throughout their lives to keep their teeth from growing out of their mouth.
This is why mice can damage homes with their constant gnawing. A mouse can chew through the following materials:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Soft vinyl
- Rubber
- Low gauge aluminum
- Fiberglass-based screening
There are cases of mice being able to chew through steel wool or insulation including drywall. Most mice can even chew through concrete that has not cured properly.
What Material Can Mice Not Chew Through?
Mice should not be able to chew through steel or other sources of metal. If concrete has cured properly, then a mouse would not be able to chew through it either. Insulation, paper and drywall is easy for mice to chew through.
If you are considering steel wool or steel mesh as a form of repelling or deterrent for a mouse, it may work. Before they are able to chew through it, a mouse may give up and seek another way of entry or exit.
Can Mice Chew Through Concrete?
No. More often than not, once concrete has dried and settled, a mouse will not be able to chew through it. The problem is there are many sources of concrete that have not cured properly or contain cracks.
A mouse can manage its way through a crevice or opening that is 0.8 in in diameter. A mouse can unhinge or temporarily detach parts of its skull and bones to fit through the tiniest crevices.
If concrete has not cured properly or there are many cracks in between it, a mouse will find its way through it. Chances are rare but mice are resilient and do not give up easily.
Can a Mouse Chew Through Metal?
In many cases, mice will not be able to chew through metal. This includes stainless steel mesh.
Although the teeth of mice are very strong, chewing through metal is one deterrent that a mouse will probably fail and seek to find another passageway in or out of where they are currently located.
Your best bet at making sure a mouse doesn’t chew through an area is to use metal mesh wiring.
Can a Mouse Chew Through Glass?
Although it is not common to find a mouse being able to chew through glass, it is not impossible. Some case studies have proven that a mouse can chew through glass paneling.
A mouse shouldn’t be able to chew through steel and concrete or glass, but we can never say that this is an all-or-nothing situation. There are always exceptions to mice that do not give up easily.
Not only are they trying to find their way through this tough material, they are also sharpening their teeth and preventing them from growing out of proportion. This gives them two reasons why they don’t want to give up chewing through glass.
Can a Mouse Eat Through Plastic?
A mouse can easily gnaw through plastic. There are stronger and more durable types of plastic that would take a lot of time for a mouse to be able to chew through.
In most cases, plastic is going to be chewed through by a mouse that is trying to prevent its incisors from growing too large. They may also continue gnaw through the plastic in order to reach the other side where they can find shelter of food.
Can Mice Chew Through Brillo Pads?
If you have brillo pads at home that are in the form of steel wool or sponges, a mouse will still be able to attempt to chew through it.
It may not be successful because most used brillo pads also contain soaps & chemicals that you have used while cleaning with it.
If the Brillo pad fibers and steel wool has loosened through multiple uses, a mouse will be able to chew through it.
Can Mice Chew Through Tin Cans?
Chances are a mouse will not be able to chew through a tin can. If there is food inside the can and the mouse has enough time, it will continue on with this mission.
The chances of success are low, but at the same time a mouse is able to sharpen its teeth and reduce its length from overgrowth. Mice have been able to chew through plastic, vinyl and aluminum without much difficulty.
Can Mice Chew Through Duct Tape?
Yes. Mice and rats are able to chew through duct tape. Their jaws are powerful enough to continue chewing through the fibers of duct tape. There are multiple layers in duct tape that a mouse can chew past.
They’re able to chew through:
- fiberglass
- aluminum
- wood
- vinyl
- softened or uncured concrete
Duct tape does not stand a chance against a dedicated mouse with perseverance.
How To Stop Mice Chewing Through My Home
Mice can dedicate a lot of time and effort to chew through multiple materials. In order to prevent mice from entering our homes, we need to consider rodent proofing methods such as:
- Fix small homes with copper gauze or other types of patching compound
- Use thicker concrete, sheet metal or brick.
- Keep surfaces clean to deter mice from chewing on it
- Pipes and drain grates should be in good repair
- Use rodent proof foams and gels.
Conclusion
You need to regularly inspect your home to make sure that these rodents are not chewing through electric wiring, pipes or food items.
There are instances of fires resulting from mice chewing on wires. Mice can short-circuit wires and lead to massive problems that are much worse than having your packaged food chewed on by these nuisance pests.
Thanks for visiting ThePestManagement.com for the best information to help you to make the pest control process easy, safe & affordable.