Mouse damage prevention ideas

[Mad Mac]

Soy-based electrical wiring insulation is a tasty treat for vermin.
We had several vehicles back in the bad old days
that suffered mouse sabotage, rodent ruination.
A few strategically placed rodent repellent scent pouches
in the engine compartments solved the problem.

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[bgtmd]

Dryer sheets with scent placed in engine bay.

 

[articcatbill]

I am looking into this for our Motorhome:

https://thegridguard.com/

 

[KevinC]

Stop feeding the cat. He will get hungry

 

[Scoob]

These for the longer haul.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/TOMCAT-...-Use-Animal-Bait-Stations-037161005/300934065

Traps in the near term.

Never kill a black snake or really any other non-venomous species.

Ive been thinking of this but am a little scared it will attract mice. How far away does it lure them from? I dont have a problem in my detached garage now but would like to keep it that way.

thanks

 

[Lunentucker]

Ive been thinking of this but am a little scared it will attract mice. How far away does it lure them from? I dont have a problem in my detached garage now but would like to keep it that way.

thanks

My experience is that it only affects the ones that are already snooping around the spaces you're trying to protect. It's not going draw them in for hundreds of yards or anything.
I just place them inside my sheds in the cooler months. The snakes do their thing during the warmer ones.

 

[ErylFlynn]

My experience is that it only affects the ones that are already snooping around the spaces you're trying to protect. It's not going draw them in for hundreds of yards or anything.
I just place them inside my sheds in the cooler months. The snakes do their thing during the warmer ones.

Not sure I like things like this that poison them. You could kill other animals that eat them.

I used this the downside is one at a time. You have to monitor it and clean the dead mouse often. Why I suggested the bucket trap.

 

[Lunentucker]

Not sure I like things like this that poison them. You could kill other animals that eat them.

I used this the downside is one at a time. You have to monitor it and clean the dead mouse often. Why I suggested the bucket trap.

Oh. Sorry. I thought I was replying to someone else.

 

[ErylFlynn]

Oh. Sorry. I thought I was replying to someone else.

You were just adding my 2 cents. Poison in general has a few risks. If you have a dog the dog could get into it.

 

[Lunentucker]

You were just adding my 2 cents. Poison in general has a few risks. If you have a dog the dog could get into it.

Got some coyotes and bobcats around. I'd be more than happy for them to get some.

 

[ErylFlynn]

Got some coyotes and bobcats around. I'd be more than happy for them to get some.

Problem is you cannot control what gets it or not. Could be your or a neighbors dog. Your choice just be aware of what could happen.

 

[Mad Mac]

That's what I like about the repellent scent packs.
No harm to pets or children, or snakes.
The only snakes I kill are copperheads.
And no dead rodents to dispose of.

 

[MPMB]

I used this the downside is one at a time. You have to monitor it and clean the dead mouse often. Why I suggested the bucket trap.

These work.

In the past month we've had rodents in the house. I have 2 "humane" traps, I think they catapult the rodent inside the trap into a "neck snapping" block, and those haven't caught one. And I tried a glue trap. Nothing works as well as the electrical one.

The problem I have to solve now is how they're getting in. Construction in the neighborhood has been pushing the farmland animals out into the homes. But this is a new issue, and hopefully short-term. I only see evidence in the kitchen or near the kitchen. Nothing near the stairs or front door, so I'm thinking they're contained to one part of the house.

I haven't done a whole-perimeter check, but I find it hard to believe anything is getting in the house via the structure. We're new construction and no cracks or anything in the foundation. We have a 2-story with a basement, and the concrete goes up about 14" above grade. I don't see any gnawing evidence or anything that looks like an entry point on the exterior - fur, droppings, insulation, dirt/wear marks, etc.

Likely they got in by someone leaving the doors open when dogs are let out, taking trash out, etc. Another possibility is they got into the dog boxes in the garage, which have treats and food. Some of those boxes were brought into the house for the daughter to go through, but she didn't.

The least likely way in, because it's more difficult and would have had problems months ago, especially the winter, would be through one of our 3 wall vents near-ish the ground. One gas vent is difficult to get to and below it is our window well, so I would expect a few "failure" mice in the bottom of the well; none there. The other gas vent is close to a conduit that feeds power to the sprinkler controller. The last vent is the typical flapper one for dryers and bathroom fans.

I'll be getting some wire mesh to cover the vents to be a bit proactive and maybe some textured concrete sealant to go around the seam between the foundation and walls.

I'll probably put a few traps in the garage as well, to make sure they do as little damage as possible out there. My garage isn't very sealed up. Big gaps around the big doors.

Run to the nursery and buy a bunch of peppermint and rosemary plants.

 

[PW45]

Can I just be entered into the cat giveaway

 

[Mr._Bill]

Can I just be entered into the cat giveaway

I'll give you as many as you can catch, but you have to come get them.

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