Comments on: battling mice and voles (but never with mothballs) https://awaytogarden.com/battling-mice-voles-never-mothballs/ 'horticultural how-to and woo-woo' with margaret roach, head gardener Tue, 30 May 2023 18:05:22 +0000 hourly 1 By: Judy https://awaytogarden.com/battling-mice-voles-never-mothballs/comment-page-3/#comment-1375523 Tue, 30 May 2023 18:05:22 +0000 https://awaytogarden.com/?p=30354#comment-1375523 In reply to Diane.

Yes. I’ve used trap and release traps for mice found in the home. I filled the small openings outside using a steel wool type material I got through Amazon for keeping mice out. Inside, under kitchen sinks…where the pipes are, the openings are pretty wide and are easy access for rodents. Close those up, too. Also, bathrooms and anywhere in your house where there are gaps. I release the mice at least three miles away in an open, wildlife refuge where there are no homes. I read that they can find their way back if not released far enough. I would never use poisons or anything toxic. There are predators that’ll eat dead animals…such as bald eagles, for example…that will ingest the poison of their prey and get very sick or die. Also, using lead sinkers in fishing and lead bullets in hunting can be dangerous, too. They eat a lot of fish and carrion. Think of the food chain in the wild, overall.

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By: Robby https://awaytogarden.com/battling-mice-voles-never-mothballs/comment-page-4/#comment-1287404 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 03:14:54 +0000 https://awaytogarden.com/?p=30354#comment-1287404 I am concerned about snap traps. Caroline wrens often get in my Havahart mouse and vole traps. I started using them after catching one in a snap trap. Even with them you have to check every day because they will die of dehydration if you don’t set them free fairly quickly. I know I have one when I hear the trap rattling. The wrens bounce around inside the traps; the mice or voles sit quietly.

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By: Jonathan https://awaytogarden.com/battling-mice-voles-never-mothballs/comment-page-4/#comment-1105524 Sat, 23 Jan 2021 20:16:58 +0000 https://awaytogarden.com/?p=30354#comment-1105524 Margaret, your article is well reasoned and very helpful with a good understanding mouse behavior. I have extensive experience in commercial pest management. In addition I have been an organic gardener for many years. For residential settings, the use of good quality snap traps is essential. Finding points of entry into a home is sometimes challenging. A point of reference: entry points, mice need only 1/4″ and rats 1/2″ . Closing holes once you find them is effectively and permanently done using copper gauze stuffed into the hole ( available at hardware stores and Amazon). If traps are not working, try different baits. I often use Reese’s pieces. Many mice like chocolate. Rats often respond to odiferous fish, like sardines. Be careful to place baits using gloves . Rodents are very sensitive to tobacco and fragrances and will avoid them. Once trapped, wear gloves when handling the trap. Rodents carry ectoparasites besides ticks.

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