Mice in the garden – what to do? - briefly
Install physical barriers such as fine mesh fencing and secure compost containers to block entry. Use traps or humane catch‑and‑release devices while removing food sources by clearing fallen fruit and maintaining clean garden beds.
Mice in the garden – what to do? - in detail
Garden rodents cause damage to plants, soil structure, and stored produce. Their gnawing habits target roots, seed heads, and irrigation tubing, leading to reduced yields and increased maintenance costs.
Typical indicators include fresh droppings near vegetable beds, gnawed seedlings, burrow entrances at the base of shrubs, and audible scurrying at dusk. Early detection relies on regular visual inspection of foliage and soil surfaces.
Preventive actions:
- Install a solid perimeter fence buried 30 cm underground to block subterranean entry.
- Apply a ring of coarse mulch or metal flashing around the base of vulnerable plants to deter digging.
- Remove debris, fallen fruit, and excess compost that provide shelter and food sources.
- Employ motion‑activated lights or ultrasonic emitters to create an unfavorable environment.
Control options:
- Live traps positioned along established runways; release captured individuals at least 5 km from the garden to prevent re‑infestation.
- Snap traps baited with high‑protein attractants such as peanut butter; place them perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the mouse’s entry point.
- Rodenticides applied in tamper‑proof stations, complying with local regulations and labeled for outdoor use; monitor and replace as needed.
- Natural predators—owls, hawks, and domestic cats—encouraged by installing perches, nesting boxes, or providing safe access points.
Ongoing management requires weekly site surveys, prompt removal of new burrows, and periodic rotation of bait types to prevent habituation. Record observations in a log to identify patterns and adjust strategies accordingly. Consistent application of these measures reduces rodent activity and protects garden productivity.