Getting rid of rats/mice (merged threads)

daffodil

That reminds me I must pick up the dog muck off the garden. I have two beautiful German Shepherds. I love them to bits but my god do they leave a lot of muck.

Rats like dog muck dont they?

Do you think I will be ok if I leave it for one day - I am so tired - I cant go out now its so dark and I would have to use a torch.

Rats for some reason like my garage - just got rid of another one recently - I hate having to kill them its so upsetting isnt it?

Payless_2

The pair of flats next door to me has been empty for 7 years. I complained to a local coucillor about them getting broke into and other problems and them someone came and replaced the windows! The workmen told me that they are filthy and stink inside. They are privately owned.

3 times over the last 5 years I have had mice. I'm actually worried that the latest infestation could be rats as I found grains of rice in drawers on Sunday and I know rats hoard food. I have put poison down but they are eating it straight out of the box, not the bait boxes. The only droppings I've seen are in 2 kitchen cupboards and in the 2 drawers above them. I live in an upstairs flat and recently had my doors replaced so know they aren't getting in under them, which I thought they were last time.

Do you think thy are coming in via the empty flats next door? I've chucked all food that could be contaminated away and everything else is now in wall cupboards or jars.

phill99

The honest answer is: who knows. Mice live everywhere and anywhere and come in from all over the place.

They need the tiniest of holes to get in - not much thicker than a pencil, so it could be anywhere.

I find the best traps are the old wooden snap back type. Smear just a tiny amount of peanut butter on it and leave out. Problem with bait is that the mouse can then die anywhere and end up stinking you out.

Payless_2

I tried traps last time, Phil, and they didn't work. Might try again though.

zaax

Don't put bait down inside as the dead bodies will stink for months use traps instead. Also remove the food source with metal tins for food. Fill-in holes between you and the next doors and complain bitterly to environmental health; local councillors; and who ever might listen.

warmhands.coldheart

I know on another thread the Glue Board traps have been mentioned and yes I know a lot don't agree with them, but they DO work.... and in my experience a LOT better than conventional traps. I had to resort to them after one little blighter avoided 6 or 8 traps for over three weeks. Glue board had him in 10 mins from setting it down with a small piece of chocolate in the middle.. Size 10 boot did the rest but if you are that way inclined, I believe a tablespoon of veg oil over the mouse will release it but personally I would question why you'd let the little blighters go as they'll just come back!

Stooby2

Lethal traps baited with peanut butter or fresh apple are about the best way to deal with mice. Keep putting them down until you stop catching them.

Payless_2

The last 2 times we've had mice they've lived behind the fridge where it's warm. Whatever this is seems to be living in the coldest bit of the kitchen. Otherwise it's living somewhere else, getting in there and using it as a cafe. I've found no other traces of rodents anywhere else in the flat. There were droppings at the side of the cooker the 2 other times, as well as sporadic traces elsewhere in the house.

Payless_2

Oh God, I can hear something throwing itself around beneath the cupboards that showed evidence of vermin. It sounds bigger than a mouse. I'm assuming it's the poison working!

BettiePage

Got mice or rats in my loft and walls. I'm not a squeamish person but this is giving me the heebijeebis. Think they're wearing clogs too. Must get some traps at the weekend.