What should you do if there are mice in a greenhouse? - briefly
Inspect for entry points, seal cracks and openings, and use appropriate traps or bait stations while maintaining a clean, debris‑free environment to deter rodents.
What should you do if there are mice in a greenhouse? - in detail
If rodents have entered a greenhouse, immediate action is required to protect crops and prevent structural damage.
First, confirm the extent of the infestation. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material in soil beds, storage areas, and along the perimeter. Identify entry points such as gaps around doors, vents, utility lines, or cracks in the foundation.
Next, seal all openings. Use steel wool, metal flashing, or hardware cloth (minimum 1/4‑inch mesh) to block holes larger than a quarter inch. Install weather‑stripping on doors and repair damaged screens. Ensure that any drainage pipes are fitted with tight-fitting covers.
Implement habitat reduction. Remove excess plant debris, fallen fruit, and spilled seed. Keep the floor dry; mop up water spills and improve ventilation to lower humidity. Store feed, fertilizer, and tools on raised shelves away from walls.
Deploy control methods. Choose one or more of the following, based on regulatory compliance and crop sensitivity:
- Mechanical traps – snap traps or multi‑catch live traps placed along walls, near suspected pathways, and close to food sources. Check and reset traps daily.
- Electronic repellents – ultrasonic devices positioned at key entry zones; effectiveness varies, so combine with other measures.
- Bait stations – tamper‑proof, anticoagulant bait boxes installed out of reach of non‑target animals. Follow label instructions for dosage and placement, and monitor regularly.
- Biological control – introduce predatory birds (e.g., barn owls) by installing nesting boxes on the roof, if local regulations permit.
Maintain sanitation after removal. Dispose of captured rodents and contaminated material in sealed containers, following local health guidelines. Conduct a thorough cleaning of all surfaces with a disinfectant solution to eliminate pathogens.
Finally, establish an ongoing monitoring program. Set up a schedule to inspect for fresh signs of activity weekly, rotate trap locations, and re‑evaluate barriers after severe weather events. Document findings and corrective actions to ensure the greenhouse remains rodent‑free.