How can I get rid of rats and mice on a dacha plot? - briefly
Seal all entry points, eliminate food and water sources, and deploy snap traps or bait stations while keeping the plot clean; maintain regular inspections to prevent re‑infestation. For heavy outbreaks, hire a licensed pest‑control service.
How can I get rid of rats and mice on a dacha plot? - in detail
Eliminating rodent infestations on a summer cottage plot requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, habitat modification, mechanical control, baiting, and, when necessary, professional intervention.
First, remove all sources of food and water. Store grains, vegetables, and pet feed in sealed containers. Clean up fallen fruit, spilled seed, and compost that is not properly covered. Eliminate standing water by fixing leaks and draining puddles, as moisture attracts rodents.
Second, reduce shelter opportunities. Trim dense vegetation, clear brush piles, and stack firewood off the ground with a gap of at least 30 cm between pieces. Seal gaps in foundations, walls, and roof eaves with metal flashing or cement, paying special attention to entry points around pipes and vents.
Third, deploy mechanical traps. Use snap traps or multi‑catch cages placed along walls, near burrows, and close to food sources. Bait traps with a small amount of peanut butter, dried fruit, or canned fish. Check traps daily, dispose of captured animals hygienically, and reset traps until activity ceases.
Fourth, apply rodenticides responsibly. Choose anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant baits approved for outdoor use. Position bait stations in tamper‑proof containers, away from non‑target wildlife and children. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance, and follow label instructions for dosage and placement.
Fifth, encourage natural predators. Install raptor nesting boxes, maintain perches for owls, and foster habitats for domestic cats, all of which can reduce rodent populations through predation.
Sixth, monitor continuously. Conduct regular inspections for fresh droppings, gnaw marks, and new burrows. Keep a log of trap catches and bait consumption to assess progress and adjust tactics promptly.
If infestations persist despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control professional for targeted fumigation or advanced trapping strategies. Consistent application of the above steps will suppress rodent activity and protect the garden’s crops, structures, and human health.