What should be done about mice in a greenhouse? - briefly
Seal all openings, place snap or live traps, and eliminate accessible food and water sources; then maintain regular monitoring and sanitation to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done about mice in a greenhouse? - in detail
Mice infiltrate greenhouse structures, damage crops, and spread disease. Effective control requires a combination of exclusion, habitat modification, and population reduction.
First, seal all entry points. Inspect walls, doors, vents, and foundation for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Apply steel wool, copper mesh, or expandable foam to block openings. Install self‑closing doors and weather‑stripping on existing frames.
Second, eliminate shelter and food sources. Keep growing media, seed trays, and harvested produce off the floor. Store feed in sealed containers. Remove debris, fallen leaves, and standing water that provide nesting material.
Third, deploy trapping systems. Use snap traps positioned along walls, near suspected runways, and beside entry points. Place at least one trap per 10 ft of wall length. Check and reset traps daily; dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
Fourth, consider baits only when necessary. Apply rodenticide in tamper‑resistant bait stations, placed out of reach of non‑target species and workers. Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance. Record bait locations and monitor effectiveness.
Fifth, maintain ongoing monitoring. Install motion‑activated cameras or infrared sensors to detect activity. Conduct weekly inspections of traps, baits, and structural seals. Document findings to adjust strategies promptly.
Finally, train staff on preventive practices. Provide clear instructions for waste handling, equipment cleaning, and reporting sightings. Regular education reduces inadvertent re‑infestation.
By integrating physical barriers, sanitation, targeted trapping, controlled baiting, and continuous observation, a greenhouse can achieve sustainable rodent management and protect plant health.