Mice vs cottage

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by ChrisIB, Mar 23, 2022.

  1. ChrisIB

    ChrisIB Gardener

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    Those spawn of Satan otherwise known as mice are cohabiting where I am doing a bit of renovation, and I am looking for strategies.
    A plumber, who cheerfully told me the plastic piping I had just put in was a target (especially the joints), said first thing was find where might be coming in.
    There are gaps in floor / wall and I was thinking of expanding foam?
    The electronic deterrents seem to come in standard, high and low and varying frequency, any recommendations?
    And is it mostly during the cold months they look for a bit of shelter?
     
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    • CanadianLori

      CanadianLori Total Gardener

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      In the short term, steel wool jammed into the gaps around the pipes will help stop the rodents.
       
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        Have you got air vents under the floorboards, worth checking there.
         
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        • Sheal

          Sheal Total Gardener

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          Sorry, they'll be with you all year round and will find somewhere cosy to produce their offspring. I had problems with them in a previous house, they were entering through the air bricks near the damp course. I covered all the air bricks with a fine metal mesh which seemed to solve the problem.
           
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          • ChrisIB

            ChrisIB Gardener

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            Thanks. It's stone built on a thick concrete base. I think entry maybe through the odd mortar gap. I can occasionally hear them in the attic but the place they are consistently evident overnight is the kitchen. There is no food left in there so I'm guessing warmth or water in the sink area is what is attracting them.
             
          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            I don't think you will have any choice but to poison them Chris. They multiply very quickly. I would get the mortar gaps filled first though.
             
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            • gks

              gks Total Gardener

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              • flounder

                flounder Super Gardener

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                Poison, or traps baited with peanut butter. Electronic or bunny hugger remedies do not work
                 
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                • Purple Streaks

                  Purple Streaks Gardener

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                  Don't forget to get rid of those you have inside your home after you have blocked all the holes up.they breed every 23 days .
                   
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