Food preferences of house mice (Mus domesticus) and their implications for control strategies

A series of pen evaluations of food preferences of the house mouse (Mus domesticus) were conducted to determine whether the acceptability of poison baits could be enhanced with variations to grain type and the incorporation of flavour enhancers. Results showed that soft wheat, canary seed and rice were the most preferred foods, particularly when fish meal was added. Apart from some differences due to the addition of fishmeal, none of the additives, flavours or dyes had a statistically significant effect on food consumption. Management implications of the results are discussed.