How can I get rid of mice at home and on the garden plot? - briefly
Seal all cracks and openings, store food in sealed containers, and use indoor snap or live traps with appropriate bait; consider bait stations with rodenticide only where legally permitted. In the garden, clear debris, trim low vegetation, encourage natural predators, and place outdoor snap traps or bait boxes to control the population.
How can I get rid of mice at home and on the garden plot? - in detail
Eliminating rodents from indoor spaces and garden areas requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion, trapping, and, when necessary, chemical control.
Maintain a clean environment. Store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills immediately, and keep garbage in bins with tight‑fitting lids. Remove clutter that can serve as nesting material, such as stacks of cardboard, fabric, or excess firewood.
Seal entry points. Inspect walls, floors, and foundations for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or cement‑based sealant to block holes around pipes, vents, and utility openings. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and weather stripping on windows.
Deploy traps strategically. Place snap traps or electronic traps along walls, behind appliances, and near known activity zones. Bait with high‑protein items such as peanut butter, dried meat, or boiled egg. Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents promptly, and reset as needed.
Apply bait stations in the garden where rodents forage. Use anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides approved for outdoor use, positioning stations in tamper‑proof containers away from children, pets, and non‑target wildlife. Follow label instructions regarding dosage and placement density.
Manage vegetation. Keep grass trimmed, remove weeds, and prune low branches that provide cover. Store firewood off the ground and elevate it on pallets. Install a low fence or mesh barrier around garden beds to deter burrowing.
Monitor and record activity. Use non‑toxic tracking powder or flour trails to identify movement patterns, then focus control measures on high‑traffic routes. Rotate trap locations periodically to prevent habituation.
If infestation persists despite these measures, consult a licensed pest‑management professional. They can conduct a thorough assessment, apply targeted treatments, and advise on long‑term prevention plans.