Storage and Mice

Pupnik

I wouldn't leave humane traps in there, as others have said they die of stress.

Raising the boxes is a good idea- perhaps get feet for pot plants from the garden centre. Not sure it will work or not but you could try rubbing some strong vinegar onto the corners of the box as it is the corners they will get their teth into- unless mice like vinegar?!

Generally though if there is nothing tasty in the box it is unlikely mice will chew through. I grew up in a very old draughty house with lots of mice in and it was only food items they went after, never had any problems with them trying to get into boxes.

moneybunny123

What about items of furniture? Are they safe in there? We have a leather sofa that wont fit in the new (temporary) house, and also a piano, bookcase and coffee table....?

RuthnJasper

Pupnik wrote: »

I wouldn't leave humane traps in there, as others have said they die of stress.

Raising the boxes is a good idea- perhaps get feet for pot plants from the garden centre. Not sure it will work or not but you could try rubbing some strong vinegar onto the corners of the box as it is the corners they will get their teth into- unless mice like vinegar?!

Generally though if there is nothing tasty in the box it is unlikely mice will chew through. I grew up in a very old draughty house with lots of mice in and it was only food items they went after, never had any problems with them trying to get into boxes.

Moneybunny123 - Pupnik is right. Mice would be there for food and food alone. If they don't have a source of food, they'll soon clear off to a more "profitable" place - they may be small but they aren't daft. Also, the advice on humane traps is correct - unless the traps are checked daily, lethal traps would actually be kinder.

Good luck. xx

Pupnik

moneybunny123 wrote: »

What about items of furniture? Are they safe in there? We have a leather sofa that wont fit in the new (temporary) house, and also a piano, bookcase and coffee table....?

Funnily enough we did once have a mouse in the piano, it didn't do any damage but it was confusing to hear the sound of the piano seemingly playing itself :rotfl: The leather sofa is the only thing that could cause concern as sofas are ideal places to make a nest. I was just searching for smells that deter mice and found things saying they don't like peppermint oil or cayenne pepper which is interesting. The guides generally recommend dabbing the cayenne or peppermint oil onto cotton wool balls and leaving them scattered about.

halfone

moneybunny123 wrote: »

What about items of furniture? Are they safe in there? We have a leather sofa that wont fit in the new (temporary) house, and also a piano, bookcase and coffee table....?

I don't think they'd bother with the wooden furniture. Reckon they'd go for soft, easy options that are chewable, like fabrics, if they're looking to nest.

If you have an electric socket in your garage, have you considered one of those electronic deterrent things that Werdnal mentioned? I think they have fairly good results, and they're not all that expensive.

If you don't actually have a mouse problem at this point, I wouldn't be putting down peanut butter or chocolate* just yet, as this will just attract mice you don't already have...


*sound advice by RuthnJasper - specifically, the 'work, rest and play' chocolate, if you know what I mean - there's something about the smell that they find irresistible, apparently.

jenhug

lots of mothballs. they don't like the smell.

beckythemadcow

My mum did the same when moving, her boxes were ok, but mice did destroy her sofa cushions and make them into nests.

The mice were not from that property but from a sandwich shop nearby we have guessed.

RuthnJasper

halfone wrote: »

*sound advice by RuthnJasper - specifically, the 'work, rest and play' chocolate, if you know what I mean - there's something about the smell that they find irresistible, apparently.

I have that problem. Maybe I'm part-mouse? Will ask my mum sometime...:D