Can a Mouse Eat Through Foam Insulation?
Table of Contents
The house mouse is the most common type of mouse in North America. It is a small animal that can do a lot of damage. Common barriers such as foam cannot keep mice from entering a house.
House Mouse Origin
The house mouse (Mus musculus) is not native to North America. This rodent arrived from Asia on ships around the time of the American Revolution. House mice spread from sea ports to inland areas via human migration.
Description
The average house mouse is a tiny beast that weighs only 0.4 oz. to 1 oz. with a tail length of 3 to 6 inches to complement its 3 to 4 inch body. House mice may have light brown or black fur.
Habitat
House mice can be found where there is human habitation. The creatures are attracted to carelessly stored food and debris piles. However, a clean home can also have mice who will follow any food scent. Occasionally there are feral mice that live along waterways or fields in concealing grasses, but most mice prefer to stay close to the easy meals that humans unwittingly provide. Houses also provide safe havens from snakes, owls and other predators.
Habits
House mice will, as stated, follow the scent of food through any material.They are mainly nocturnal rodents who will only come out in the day if they are starving. The males are very territorial and will be aggressive to other male mice.
Foam Insulation
Foam insulation is a spray used to insulate homes against drafts and to block the entrance of mice, rats and other small four-legged animals. The spray is often petroleum based but there are also insulations that derive from organic materials.
Destructive Potential
House mice prefer to eat seeds and grains but have been known to eat bird eggs and baby birds. They are very destructive to clothes, upholstered furniture, car or other wires, and–alas--foam insulation. They spread many diseases such as bubonic plague and salmonellosis (food poisoning).
The Drip Cap
- The house mouse is the most common type of mouse in North America.
- The house mouse (Mus musculus) is not native to North America.
- House mice can be found where there is human habitation.
- House mice will, as stated, follow the scent of food through any material.
- House mice prefer to eat seeds and grains but have been known to eat bird eggs and baby birds.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Anne Cagle has been writing ever since she was a toddler who could scribble with crayons. Her first published article, at age 12, was in a teachers' newsletter. She was published in "Optical Prism" magazine and has worked as a reviewer for the Webby Awards. She holds a degree in English from the University of Oregon.
Photo Credits
- Mouse image by pioregur from Fotolia.com
- Mouse image by pioregur from Fotolia.com
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