To keep mice away from your food, store all food in sealed, sturdy containers that mice cannot chew through, keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, and avoid leaving pet food or birdseed exposed.

Container Material Matters

Mice can chew through: thin plastic bags, cardboard boxes, soft plastic containers, foil packaging, and wooden boxes.

Mice cannot chew through: thick rigid plastic (HDPE, #2 or #5), glass, metal tins, and ceramic containers. Only store food in these materials — original packaging and rolled-up bags are not sufficient.

Choose the Right Containers

• Use thick plastic, glass, or metal containers with tight-fitting lids
• Prefer screw-top or clamp-close lids — snap-on lids can leave small gaps
• Store all dry goods: cereal, rice, pasta, flour, sugar, nuts, and snacks in sealed containers

Pet Food: The #1 Mouse Attractor in NH Homes

Open bags of dry dog or cat food are one of the most common reasons mice establish indoors in New Hampshire. Store pet food in a sealed metal container with a locking lid, and never leave uneaten food out overnight. A bag of kibble left open in the kitchen or garage is one of the most reliable mouse attractants in the home.

Garage and Vehicle Storage

Mice frequently access garages and vehicles through gaps under doors. If you store bird seed, grass seed, pet food, or any grain-based product in your garage, use sealed metal containers. Vehicles parked near wooded areas in NH should be checked for mouse nests in the engine compartment seasonally — particularly in fall when mice seek warm sheltered spaces.

Keep All Food Areas Clean

• Wipe up crumbs and spills immediately
• Don't leave dirty dishes overnight
• Keep kitchen trash in bins with lids; remove garbage regularly
• Vacuum behind appliances once a week — crumb buildup under stoves and refrigerators is a key attractant

Store Safely — Extra Tips

• Don't buy more bulk food than you can store in sealed containers immediately
• Rotate food stock — use older food first
• Check stored food regularly for chewed packaging or droppings; discard anything mice have contacted and sanitize the area

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