Furry Animals - an invasion - and struggling with life!

Savvy_Sue

alyth wrote: »

The point of entry to the house has been blocked - I know exactly where is it is between the factor/my dad and workmen working next door nothing can get into the cottage - or so I thought!

We were told that they could squeeze through any gap you could fit a biro into ...

So any ventilation bricks could be a point of entry.

A_Phoenix_of_Tangerine

Everyone has things that they don't like, mine happen to be killing animals

Yet you live on a hunting estate and are perfectly happy that the others there shoot / trap wild animals? Oh the irony!

cheepskate_2

I would go with the idea of getting a feral cat.......killing the foxes is probably why there is such an infestation.

Our good planet is made so that each species has its own predators..... interfere with nature and this is what you get.

One or two ferals should at least contain the problem

GlasweJen

I'd try things in this order:

Mouse repelling plug in
Get a rescue cat
Hire an exterminator.

When we were having mouse problems at my last house my exs dad (who used to work for rentokil) said for every mouse you see there are 8 more.

petabear

I live out in the sticks and the only thing that helps us out with the mice and rats are our cats, they were all rescued and they are all wild cats but they still come for a cuddle which is nice! without them we'd be infested. Hope things get better for you x

Mojisola

Even living in the country doesn't account for this kind of infestation!

As well as keeping up with the traps and poison, look at what's attracting them in. Are there any food sources near your garden that you can do anything about?

Many rats are resistant to the poisons you can buy in the shops. There are far more effective poisons but they're only available to the professionals.

System

I sympathise. One of my earliest childhood memories was going to stay with my Grandma. It was a lovely big house with a large garden which backed onto a dissused railway track which was overgrown.

One morning i opened the chest of drawers to get my clean undies out and a mouse flew out. I dont know who was more scared, me or it.

Everybody acted as though it was just a normal convenience but i was scared stiff the whole of the time i was there.

I think if i were you i'd be tempted to have a couple of house cats and get used to disposing of the bodies. I actually disposed of our 'expired' hamster a few months ago (that job has always been left for MrJudi to do as i dont like dead things) but it wasnt as bad as i thought it would be and would do it again if i had to.

Absinthe_2

Dogs are also good (well some are) at keeping furry pests at bay. Rats are a common sight in the countryside, so the only natural, effective form of pest control would be to get a cat, or dog.

elliebobs

Although I do agree that someone was a tad harsh in replying to you I do think that their opinion was valid; you live in the sticks and the downside is that so do lots of furry things.

You have a warm house with, presumably, stacks of food so obviously you're going to get visitors!

I'm originally from Devon and it's just a way of life, the second homers complain about it but that rant is for another thread!

I def recommend getting a cat; trust me, the problem will be solved sharpish.

There is some sort of scientific explanation but basically the mice tell all their other friends that a cat is there so they stay away. You'll still get the odd one in the garden and there is always the danger that the cat will bring them in to 'play with'; ours did but it will be nowhere near the level you have right now.

Just ask your neighbour if he has the same problem...
Ask the

System

Absinthe wrote: »

Dogs are also good (well some are) at keeping furry pests at bay.

Good idea, my SIL has a terrier type dog and the amount of rats she's caught from their garden is seriously impressive.