How can mice be eliminated from a cottage house and garden? - briefly
Close all gaps, repair screens, and install traps or licensed rodenticides to control indoor populations. In the garden, clear debris, store produce in sealed containers, and encourage natural predators.
How can mice be eliminated from a cottage house and garden? - in detail
Mice enter a cottage and its garden seeking shelter, water, and food. Their presence can damage structures, contaminate food, and spread disease, making decisive action essential.
First, block all potential entry points. Inspect walls, foundations, windows, doors, and roof eaves for gaps larger than ½ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or cement-based sealants to fill openings. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Keep interior storage areas tidy; store grain, pet food, and garbage in sealed containers made of metal or thick plastic.
Second, set traps in areas of high activity. Snap traps provide rapid mortality; position them perpendicular to walls with the trigger end facing the wall. Live‑catch traps allow relocation; check them at least twice daily to prevent suffering. Glue boards capture rodents but generate mess and should be placed away from children and pets. Electronic traps deliver a lethal shock; position them near known runways. Replace bait regularly, using peanut butter, oats, or dried fruit.
Third, consider rodenticides only when trapping proves insufficient. Choose anticoagulant baits formulated for indoor use, place them in tamper‑resistant stations, and locate them out of reach of non‑target animals. Follow label instructions regarding dosage and disposal. Monitor for signs of secondary poisoning in predators.
Fourth, manage the garden to reduce outdoor refuge. Remove dense vegetation, tall weeds, and debris where mice can hide. Keep compost piles covered and turn them frequently. Store firewood off the ground and at least 2 feet from the house. Encourage natural predators by installing raptor perches or bat boxes. Deploy outdoor snap traps along fence lines and near vegetable beds, baited with seeds or nuts.
Fifth, maintain ongoing surveillance. Inspect traps weekly, record capture locations, and adjust placement as activity shifts. Conduct monthly checks of the building envelope for new gaps. Replace worn seals and repair structural damage promptly. Consistent monitoring prevents re‑infestation and sustains a rodent‑free environment.