7
Jan
Invasion of the Warmth Seekers
- posted at 4:21 PM
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We’re hearing from a number of concerned people that, in these freezing temperatures, mice and rats are packing their bags and moving in to keep warm and, well … survive. While we might moan and groan about frostbitten noses and -10°C readings on the thermometer, think how cold it must be for rodents! It is understandable however if you don’t wish to share your duvet with Mickey the mouse, or Reggie the rat, so if you have an unwelcome visitor this Winter, follow these tips for humane control:
• The most effective methods do not target the animals themselves, but rather whatever attracts them and allows them access to the premises: available food, warmth, holes in the wall, etc.
• It is usually possible to figure out where the animals are entering by carefully observing their behaviour (for example, do they always scatter to the same spot?) Holes larger than 1/4 inch in diameter may be patched by stuffing the holes with steel wool and then applying a foam sealant that will harden when dry.
• All seeds (grass and edible gardening supplies) and human and companion-animal food should be placed into tightly sealed metal containers. Rodents can and will chew through plastic given half the chance!
• Animals trapped inside a building should be humanely box-trapped and removed, checking the traps several times a day. Remember, we don’t want the mice and rats to die. Release trapped mice at least 100 feet from any structure, preferably in a nearby park or wooded area.
You can get humane traps all over the UK, but if you fancy doing a bit of DIY try this:
1. Place dry oatmeal or tortilla chips in a plastic 50-gallon drum for rats or a small, plastic wastepaper basket for mice.
2. Set the drum in an area frequented by rodents.
3. Lean a flat piece of wood against the rim of the drum, or construct a ladder of books or bricks that they must climb to get to the rim.
4. They will jump in for the food but will be unable to climb back up the slippery surface.
5. Once caught, they can be safely released outside, and the trap can be reset.
6. Check the trap as often as possible!
Awww if I find a mouse in my house I’d be too tempted to keep him!