How can I combat mice in a garden? - briefly
Employ fine‑mesh fences, trap lines, and sealed storage for food, while removing debris and applying natural repellents such as peppermint oil to deter rodents.
How can I combat mice in a garden? - in detail
Effective control of garden rodents requires a combination of habitat modification, physical barriers, and targeted deterrents. Begin by eliminating food sources: remove fallen fruit, clean up spilled birdseed, and store compost in sealed containers. Trim dense vegetation and prune low branches to reduce shelter and travel routes.
Implement exclusion measures to prevent entry. Install metal or fine‑mesh fencing around garden beds, burying the lower edge at least 12 inches underground to block burrowing. Cover raised beds with hardware cloth and seal any gaps around irrigation pipes or drainage channels.
Deploy repellents and traps strategically. Apply natural deterrents such as peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or crushed garlic around perimeter and planting rows. Use snap traps or humane live‑catch traps placed near active runways, checking them daily and disposing of captured rodents promptly. Rotate trap locations to avoid habituation.
Maintain ongoing vigilance. Conduct weekly inspections for fresh gnaw marks, droppings, or burrow entrances. Adjust measures as needed, reinforcing barriers after heavy rain or garden expansion. Consistent, integrated actions reduce rodent populations and protect plant health.