Mice, Any Suggestions How To Get Rid?

[Norman Verona]

Since we no longer have any cats around (HM is allergic) we have a mouse problem.

We put down mouse poison and it goes but the mouse doesn't. We have cleared up a few bodies but we still have it/them running around.

So, any suggestions how to get rid of them? I think they come through the front door which has a gap at the bottom. I'm due to make a new door before winter sets in.

In the meantime HM keeps putting these little pink sachets down and the mice keep taking them away.

[Captain Colonial]

Not cheese. Mice LOVE peanut butter, they'll stuff themselves silly on it.. Put some on the trap, or mix it with the poison. I guarantee you'll get a result.

[Norman Verona]

Scott, they also like soap. They've eaten through a few bars of hand soap under the sink in one of the gites.

We've tried traps, they're too quick for them. Had peanut butter in them, all the peanut butter gone, trap sprung, no mouse.

They eat the poison, it doesn't need "sweetening". I suspect we might have a few bodies and more than one running around. In fact I'm pretty sure I saw two running along the skirting board to get under the floor in the day room.

[Captain Colonial]

OK - peant butter at end of a wide choke shotgun, then. Extreme, but effective.

[Norman Verona]

I was thinking along the same lines. Only problem is I wouldn't want to damage the floor tiles.

[Captain Colonial]

Hairless cat? Jack Russell? Falcon?

[Norman Verona]

I would love a dog and would want a big one. However HM would want a small one. I would compromise with a smooth haired Jack Russel. Trouble is she's allergic to dogs as well. In fact she's probably allergic to me but lets me stay as, in her words, she's grown fond of me.

maybe I'll try an air pistol.

[Captain Colonial]

I'd say a box with a spring loaded metal wire door that only opens inwards, lined with fly paper so it gets stuck.

[Mark Stanton]

Norman the mouse over my way must be a bit slower as last two that got into my house were soon snapped up with traps baited with milk chocolate after which I purchased some ultrasonic "plug in thingies" that you simply plug into a spare socket and they emit a high pitch ultra sound that seem to keep the things at bay - I now only get them in my out-house where they love to eat instruction books to petrol mowers and the foam grip on strimmers and deckchair arms

What has also helped is a semi feral cat adopting me - its not allowed in house and finds its own shelter in the barn and keeps all the field mice at bay

[Norman Verona]

I had an ultra sonic thing. Now you've reminded me I'll have a look for it. Actually I think it's still plugged in behind the new kitchen units. However, we have one in each gite and we still get the little bu99ers under the sinks.

Someone told me that the ultra sonics will stop them coming in but will not drive the residents out.

RESIDENTS [light bulb on] I'll charge them exorbitant rent. [/light bulb off]

Actually reminds me of a customer who reported a dot matrix printer wasn't working. When the engineer arrived he found a nest of mice living in it and they had chewed through the ribbon cable. We sent an invoice as this wasn't covered by the maintenance agreement. The customer refused to pay. HM sent him a credit note along with an invoice addressed to Mr Mouse for rent.

He still didn't pay.

[FILFAN]

They also like chocolate so if the trap don't get them they won't fit under the door after a week or two.

[MattyP]

I would recommend the STV Quick click mouse traps they are already baited when you buy them and the bait lasts about a month. You just keep reusing them. Made of plastic and very sensitive never fails for me .

[pistonbroke]

Civilised countries employ pest control officers

also squatting is an offence

I used bread set in traps to get shut of MM and friends from my garage . but also found where they was getting in and plugged the 'ole

[Mark Stanton]

Coorect re ultrasonics Norman if they are already in it just sends em mental indoors rather than driving them away but seems to deter others entering so you may end up with squinty chinless banjo playing mice Have you tried a feral cat around your barns ? or is that still too close for Mrs V ?

[FILFAN]

Just no substitute for p***y