No cheese in the mousetrap

Scenta: science, engineering & technology news

It seems that the Tom and Jerry cartoons did indeed teach us nothing.

Contrary to the repetitive strategy of Tom, cheese would not have lured Jerry to the mousetrap.

According to British researchers, mice do not like cheese.

Manchester Metropolitan University scientists studied the diet of mice and other animals.

They discovered that mice prefer foods with a high-sugar content like grains and fruit, and would despise the strong odour and rich taste of cheese.

Mice just follow their nose

Animal behaviourist David Holmes, from Manchester Metropolitan University, told the AFP: "Clearly the supposition of mice liking cheese is a popular premise.

"Mice have evolved almost entirely without cheese or anything resembling it."

Holmes added that the rodents would not be attracted to cheese because "mice respond to the smell, texture and taste of food and cheese is something that would not be available to them in their natural environment."

So the next time a piece of gorgonzola sits in a mousetrap, expect to attract nothing more than ants.

The Stilton Cheese Makers Association told the Daily Mirror: "Our cheese has a distinctive aroma and a huge fan base but mice are clearly not among those."

Perhaps it is time to try a slice of apple instead.

Source: scenta