How to Get Rid of Mice the Old-Fashioned Way
While some people find mice to be cute pets, others prefer the tiny creatures stay outdoors. When the weather turns cold, however, or a female is ready to nest, the first place they look for new shelter is usually inside. While one mouse may seem insignificant, their prolific breeding capabilities--a litter of 4 to 12 pups every 21 days, for instance--could make it a big problem. You can quickly make the house less inviting without pesticides, using some of the same tricks your grandmother probably used. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Caulk
- Spring-loaded mouse trap
- 1 or 2 cats
- Cotton balls
- Peppermint oil extract
- Barn oil nesting box
Instructions
-
-
1
Seal off any openings that a mouse can squeeze through. Caulk holes around doorways, windows, pipes and utility lines coming into the house. Make sure vents are properly covered and that shingles completely cover the roof.
-
2
Eliminate inside source of food, such as crumbs or open cereal boxes, that can be easily accessed by mice. Throw out, cover or put away all garbage at night.
-
-
3
Set up an old-fashioned mousetrap. Created in 1897, the design has not changed much, although the end result is not pleasant for anyone squeamish about removing the mouse body.
-
4
Borrow a friend's cat, or get one of your own. Encourage it to chase and catch real mice with interactive play--dangle or move toy mice on a string in front of the cat, or toss a ball with a bell in it for the cat to chase.
-
5
Place cotton balls dipped in peppermint oil around the house in spots where you have discovered mouse droppings. Mice hate the strong scent; once they discover it in their "habitat," they usually vacate quickly.
-
6
Set up a nesting box for barn owls--which eat a lot of mice--near the house, if you live in an area where owls would be comfortable.
-
7
Remove brush, ivy, and berry bushes from around the house. Mice can hide and breed there and find quick and easy access to the house.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
One cat cannot get rid of an entire colony of mice if you are being overrun; if you decide to go this route, you might need several cats to take care of the problem.
Mice who are familiar with the house might know how to hide from cats as well.
Peppermint oil is toxic to cats; do not use this method if you have a cat in the house.
Take care when disposing of mice: Use gloves to remove them and double-bag the mouse. If you are in a hantavirus area, wet mice and potentially contaminated areas with bleaches or detergents. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises washing the gloves before removing them if you plan on using them again, and washing your hands well after that.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Little mouse image by Multiart from Fotolia.com
