How can I get rid of mice on a plot with holes in the ground? - briefly
Close all openings with steel wool, concrete, or mesh, then place snap traps or bait stations to capture remaining rodents while removing food and water sources. Regularly inspect and maintain the barrier to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I get rid of mice on a plot with holes in the ground? - in detail
Eliminating rodents from a yard that contains underground burrows requires a systematic approach that combines habitat modification, exclusion techniques, and population control.
First, reduce the attractiveness of the area. Remove food sources such as fallen fruit, birdseed, and pet feed. Store waste in sealed containers and keep compost piles well‑covered. Trim vegetation around the perimeter to eliminate cover and create a clear zone of at least one meter between plants and the soil surface.
Second, block entry points. Apply steel‑wool or copper mesh to the mouths of existing tunnels, then cover with a layer of soil or concrete. Install a continuous perimeter barrier using hardware cloth (minimum 1/4‑inch mesh) set several centimeters below ground level and extending above the surface. Ensure the barrier overlaps at seams and is securely anchored.
Third, employ trapping and baiting. Use snap traps or electronic devices placed directly in active tunnels, baited with peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractants. For larger infestations, deploy multiple stations of anticoagulant bait, following local regulations and safety guidelines. Monitor traps daily, remove captured individuals, and reset devices as needed.
Fourth, consider biological control. Encourage predators such as owls, hawks, and snakes by installing nesting boxes or perches. If permissible, introduce domesticated cats in a controlled manner, ensuring they are vaccinated and kept indoors when not hunting.
Finally, maintain ongoing surveillance. Conduct weekly inspections of the perimeter barrier, re‑seal any newly formed openings, and replace worn traps. Seasonal cleaning of debris and regular landscaping will prevent re‑colonization.
By integrating habitat denial, physical exclusion, targeted removal, and ecological pressure, the rodent population can be suppressed and eventually eliminated from a plot with subterranean openings.