You can build a better mousetrap
Posted on 16 November, 2015
Talking to one of our farming clients, and reminded that at this time of year the mice come scurrying in from the fields – some warmth and shelter, very sensible.
Except homeowners tend not to be very welcoming. We would like to think that Homesitters’ clients have a below average mouse problem. Difficult to substantiate, but it seems a reasonable possibility. However, we do have reports of the occasional Mus musculus sharing assignments with our Homesitters, and they don’t like it (the Homesitters, that is; the mice tend to be more laid back and mellow).
When these unwelcome partnerships are brought to our attention, we recommend Little Nipper® traps. Yes, we would prefer the non-lethal, humane, mouse-friendly variety, but unfortunately the circumstances normally dictate prompt action – and we have found that the traditional Little Nipper® produces the quickest result, particularly if you use the best bait.
Opinions vary widely – most-quoted baits include cheese, Sugar Puffs® and raisins. Our farmer client (above) favours raisins – very attractive to mice, and have a long trap-life. But (he reports) some of the more trap-wise (or lucky) mice can pull the raisin up and off the pin. Cunning farmer recommends modifying the trap by removing the pin (easy with a pair of pliers) and replacing it with either a little dome-headed screw or (more convenient) a map pin – one of the ones with a large head. Apparently, this little modification is hugely successful, but tiresome for the mouse.
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