Getting rid of rats/mice (merged threads)

latecomer

try a real trap. Perhaps its the same mouse coming back every time when you use the humane trap.

Also look for where they/it is getting in. Block up any holes, check behind kitchen units etc.

Lemoncurd

Carefully check all of your walls for any gaps and holes and make sure they are all filled, also check under external doors etc. Mice can get in through tiny gaps, if you can fit your little finger in the chances are a mouse can get through. Often there might be gaps around pipework where pipes have been removed or not properly filled around. Not sure what else you can do other than then trapping/poisoning any in the house. Pest control companies/ your local council might be able to help for a fee, have you checked your council website for info?
Good luck, hope you find a solution soon.

ISIOTB

latecomer wrote: »

try a real trap. Perhaps its the same mouse coming back every time when you use the humane trap.

Also look for where they/it is getting in. Block up any holes, check behind kitchen units etc.

I doubt it's the same mouse, I take them to a field about half a mile away.

I can see holes into the kitchen cupboard under the sink where I keep trapping them, but don't want to block them because I figured that if they can't get into there, they'll just come straight into the kitchen looking for food. So I've not blocked this avenue up.

I think the solution must be to block all possible EXTERNAL holes into the house, but every pest control company I've spoken to don't seem to want to provide that service.

I can't do it myself because it would involve getting right under decking, removing plants, using long ladders to get right up around the house.

But I am prepared to pay good money - can't seem to find anyone willing to do it though

mikey72

It's amazing how little a hole they can get through.
We resorted to poison as well, we're in the country, and occasionally we still hear one scurry through the wallspaces, or across the ceiling. Only for a short while though.

Nile

Hello ISIOTB

Welcome to the MSE site.:wave:

I've merged your thread with this existing thread. It has lots of tips and advice which I hope you find useful.

Regards

Nile

tarren

Hi,

To catch your rat\mouse.....

Purchase 2 sticky buns and 3 apples,

The first day put 1 apple and 1 sticky bun out,

The second day again 1 apple and 1 sticky bun,

and here comes the really clever bit,

The third day only put out 1 apple, and when the little blighters come and ask you "Where's the sticky bun?" you smack him\her over the nut and pop him in your bin.

DebbieP_2

We had a real problem with mice in our utility room, we kept rabbit food in there and only too late realised there were little nibbled holes covering the bottom of the bag - we didn't think the rabbit had been that hungry! I was so very worried that they would get into the kitchen, we caught a couple in traps but were still having problems so we got a rat and mouse repeller from http://www.primrose-london.co.uk/pest-control-mouse-deterrents-c-24_25.html and no more problems! The one we got works through the walls of the house and vibrates the electromagnetic force around the wiring, as well as an ultrasonic noise. It's been a complete success! I've noticed a few people on this thread buying stuff from the same website, it seems they are the biz!

Tao81

ISIOTB wrote: »

I doubt it's the same mouse, I take them to a field about half a mile away.

I've been reliably informed that apparently a mouse is capable of finding it's way back to it's nest from approx. 3 miles away!! They can cross rivers and all sorts, so the usual advise is, if you are catching them humanely and releasing them into the wild, take them at least 4-5 miles away to be sure that particular mouse doesn't reappear! HTH

oilit

we had rats last year, used the plastic version of one of the spring traps (big cheese) with nutella on oit. Caught 3 in first 2 weeks

Then also found where their run into the house was - old drain which had been sealed but they dug a hole through it - then bought some of the Neosorexa Gold RTU Rat Bait - placed it on a plastic lid at the entrance to the run, you need to make sure there is plenty there - they will eat as much as you put down. check it every day - top it up, and only stop when they have stopped eating - normally you need to see it untouched for about 4 weeks to be certain. then cement up the entrance. (this is the stuff my local council use) (apparently the problem occurs when you start this, sometimes if therat is pregnant the unborn rat grows some resistance to the poison - hence why you need to keep the poison down for a prolonged period to cover unborn rats that then need longer to be poisoned)

The other way I have heard of is a highly adhesive pad that you put on the floor - whcih the rats get stuck to but you need to be prepared to go to the pad every day and kill the trapped rats and remove them - otherwise they are (apparently) known to bite their own leg (s) off to try and get away. You can find them on websites in the usa. http://www.catchmaster.com/pcorat.htm but i do know a commercial premises that has used them here in uk so they are available...

re cats, our cat was attacked by a rat about 5 weeks ago - the vet saw his swolen leg and after operating saw two really big teeth marks....presumably from the fields. Cats are good for mice, I am not sure they are quite as good for rats.

But the longer you delay the bigger the problem - adult rats will breed with their own offspring as soon as they can.

Controversial I know - but the humane thing doesnt stack up in my mind - all your doing is moving the problem, if your a bit squirmish then get somebody in who isnt...

or live with the rats/mice/illness/stench etc!!

ps if your not sure if its mice or rats - remember the saying 'i smell a rat' - rats urinate a lot -and they leave a 'musty/damp' type smell - its very distinctive.

molmalone

I have had Rats under my kitchen extension for nine years,i consulted Council they did all they could but rats still chewing under my floor boards, until i purchased a Rodent Quard from Argos @£14.99.I bo.ugh this device last October and only when the battery runs down do i hear a scratch.I have suspended this under the flooring in an accessible place.