How to Get Rid of Moles and Mice
Moles and mice are easy to get rid of with some persistence. Two methods are required because moles and mice are different animals and have different habits. Mice like to live inside houses and are attracted to food waste. Moles prefer to make their homes outside and eat insects and earthworms. To get rid of mice, approach the problem using several methods. To get rid of moles, trap them. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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How to Get Rid of Moles and Mice
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Use live traps to capture and get rid of moles. Then release them at least three miles away. The easiest time of year to notice and trap a mole is in the spring, while the soil is soft and moist, and before the moles begin to multiply. Live traps work well for moles because, according to University of Illinois Extension in Urban Illinois, "they capitalize on the mole's natural instinct to clear an obstructed tunnel."
Verify that you have an active mole tunnel, then set the trap according to the directions. Active tunnels are generally straight while feeding tunnels produce a random and wavy line. Active tunnels are connected to other tunnels and feeding tunnels are a road to nowhere. If you damage an active tunnel with a stick, a mole will rebuild it within days.
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It is not just an old wives' tale, getting a cat can get rid of mice. Your cat does not have to kill them. Mice are inherently repelled by cats and their odors. A small mouse problem can be solved this way. If you do not want the responsibility of owning a cat, borrow one from a friend for a few days. Open the doors to all your cabinets and feed the cat in the areas where the mice leave droppings.
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Seal all openings in the outside walls of your home. Mice can crawl through the smallest of holes. Construction workers run pipes through holes that are bigger than the circumference of the pipe. The resulting gap between the pipes and the walls are the perfect entrance for mice. Check all plumbing and electric lines for gaps. Apply hardening spray foam following the directions on the can. Fill the holes and shut the mice out.
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Clean up. Mice are attracted to food waste and cluttered spaces that provide hiding places. To get rid of mice, pick up crumbs and wash dishes after eating. Place food in sealed containers in cabinets above waist level. Do not leave pet food in the open. Remove all the clutter from corners or in any area you see mouse droppings. Piles of old clothes and fabric are perfect homes for mice should be dismantled.
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Tips & Warnings
Correctly identify the rodents you have before trying to get rid of them.
Poisonous bait can be ingested by children, pets and other animals and may be fatal.
