What should you do if there are mice in a vegetable garden? - briefly
Eliminate attractants, seal entry points, and install snap or live traps along the garden perimeter; supplement with natural repellents like steel‑wool barriers, crushed garlic, or predator scent products to deter further activity.
What should you do if there are mice in a vegetable garden? - in detail
Rodents entering a vegetable plot cause rapid loss of seedlings and mature plants. Begin by eliminating food sources that are not intended for harvest: harvest ripe produce promptly, store surplus in sealed containers, and clean fallen fruit or vegetable debris each evening.
Install physical barriers to prevent entry. Use hardware cloth with mesh no larger than ¼ inch to line the bottom and sides of beds, securing it with staples. For raised beds, wrap the perimeter with the same material and cover the top with netting or row covers that can be lifted for maintenance.
Deploy traps where activity is observed. Snap traps offer immediate control; position them perpendicular to the ground, baited with peanut butter or sunflower seeds, and set them along established runways. Live traps allow capture for relocation; check them at least twice daily to avoid prolonged confinement. Dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
Apply repellents to deter further incursions. Natural options include cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or dried rosemary placed near vulnerable crops. Commercial granules containing capsaicin or predator urine can be scattered around the garden perimeter, reapplying after rain.
Modify the habitat to reduce shelter. Remove tall weeds, excess mulch, and woodpiles within a five‑meter radius. Keep the soil surface smooth, and prune low branches that provide bridge access to the garden.
Protect individual plants with physical covers. Use floating row covers or garden fleece to enclose seedlings, securing the edges to the ground. For root vegetables, employ cloches or individual cages made of wire mesh.
Conduct regular monitoring. Walk the rows weekly, noting fresh gnaw marks, droppings, or missing plants. Record observations to identify hotspots and adjust control measures accordingly. Maintain the barrier integrity, replace damaged trap bait, and refresh repellents on a scheduled basis.