How can I drive mice out of a cottage? - briefly
Seal cracks, gaps, and openings; remove food, water, and clutter that attract rodents. Deploy snap or live traps, and apply deterrents such as peppermint oil, steel‑wool plugs, or ultrasonic emitters to eliminate the remaining mice.
How can I drive mice out of a cottage? - in detail
Eliminate a rodent infestation from a cottage by combining exclusion, sanitation, and control measures.
First, seal every entry point. Inspect walls, foundation, roof eaves, and utility penetrations. Apply steel wool or copper mesh to gaps larger than a quarter‑inch, then cover with caulk, expanding foam, or metal flashing. Install self‑closing doors on pet flaps and ensure windows have tight screens.
Second, remove attractants. Store food in airtight containers, clean crumbs and spills immediately, and keep garbage in sealed bins. Eliminate standing water sources by fixing leaks and drying damp areas. Declutter storage spaces; excess material provides nesting sites.
Third, deploy trapping and baiting strategically. Place snap traps along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected runways, positioning the trigger end toward the wall. Use multiple traps per location to increase capture probability. For bait, choose high‑protein options such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent lures. If using anticoagulant baits, follow label instructions, place them in tamper‑resistant stations, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Fourth, monitor and maintain. Check traps daily, record captures, and replace bait as needed. After several days without activity, re‑inspect for new openings and repeat sealing procedures. Conduct periodic inspections, especially after seasonal changes that may drive rodents indoors.
Finally, consider professional assistance if the problem persists. Certified pest‑control operators can perform interior fumigation, apply rodenticides safely, and provide long‑term management plans. Consistent application of exclusion, hygiene, and trapping will prevent future invasions and protect the cottage’s structural integrity.