HOUSEPLANTS add a touch of nature and beauty to indoor spaces, but they can also attract unwanted visitors, such as mice; thus, the question is, do mice dig in houseplants? While it might seem surprising, mice can indeed dig in houseplants for various reasons.
In this article, I not only answer the question but also explain the factors contributing to mice digging in houseplants, methods to prevent them, and effective remedies for dealing with mice in your indoor garden.
You might want to read Beneficial Bugs for Houseplants
Mice dig in houseplants for food, shelter, nesting, comfort, and warmth, all of which they can find in potted plants.
3 Reasons Why Mice Dig in Houseplants
There are various reasons why mice dig in indoor plants.
1. Shelter and Nesting
Mice are resourceful creatures, always looking for a safe and warm place to build nests. With their dense foliage and soil, houseplants can provide an ideal hiding spot for mice seeking shelter.
2. Food Source
Houseplants may attract mice if they contain insects or pests that serve as a food source for these rodents. The soil in potted plants can harbor small organisms that mice find appealing.
3. Comfort and Warmth
The soil in houseplants can retain warmth, especially in indoor environments. Mice may be attracted to this warmth during colder seasons, using the soil as a comfortable and insulated space.
How to Prevent Mice from Digging in Houseplants
If mice are digging in your houseplants, you must find a way to prevent the habit. Follow these simple yet practical strategies to stop mice from digging into your indoor plants:
Choose Mice-Resistant Plants
Opt for plants that are less attractive to mice. Research on mouse-resistant houseplants and incorporate them into your indoor garden.
While no plant can be completely guaranteed to be mouse-proof, some houseplants are less appealing to rodents due to their taste or scent.
Such houseplants include:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Peperomia
- Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
While these plants may be less tempting to mice, addressing the root cause of mice infestation, such as securing food sources and sealing entry points, is essential.
Additionally, individual mice may have different preferences so results can vary.
Use Mouse-Repellent Substances or Devices
Use natural mouse-repellent substances around your houseplants, such as peppermint oil (pictured ⬆) or garlic. These scents are known to deter mice.
Alternatively, you can use mouse-deterrent devices. The best I can recommend is the Ultrasonic Pest Repeller (pictured below ⬇)
Maintain Cleanliness
Keep your indoor environment clean and free from food crumbs that might attract mice. Regularly clean the area around your houseplants to discourage these rodents from settling in.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal any gaps or cracks in walls, windows, or doors. Mice can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so a thorough inspection is crucial.
Elevate Plants
Place your potted plants on elevated surfaces to make them less accessible to mice. Use hanging planters or shelves to keep the plants off the ground.
Other Remedies for Dealing with Mice in Houseplants
Apart from those easy-to-use strategies, you can try these additional remedies to deal with mice digging in houseplants:
Use Humane Traps
If you suspect mice in your houseplants, use humane traps. Once caught, throw the mice far away from your home.
Natural Predators
Introduce natural predators like cats into your household. The presence of a cat can act as a deterrent for mice.
Seek Professional Pest Control
If mice infestation becomes severe, seek the help of professional pest control services in your local area. They can assess the situation and implement effective measures to eliminate the problem.
Do Mice Eat House Plants?
Mice can eat house plants. They may nibble on leaves, stems, and roots, especially if other food sources are scarce.
My Final Thoughts on Whether Mice Dig in Houseplants
It’s true that mice dig in houseplants, but that shouldn’t scare you. While the presence of mice in houseplants may be unexpected, understanding the reasons behind their behavior is the first step to addressing the issue.
Implementing preventive measures, choosing mouse-resistant plants, and employing humane remedies can help maintain a harmonious coexistence between your indoor garden and these small rodents.
Regular monitoring and swift action will ensure a pest-free and thriving indoor plant environment.
