Gary Brown wrote:
Hi,

We have a serious mouse and ant infestations this year. We
usually get a few mice as winter approaches but this summer
has been terrible. So far we've trapped 10 of the little pests
with more still running around the kitchen. Our cat can't be
bothered - and its his food that they are mostly after!

Before my wife calls any exterminator is there a safe and
humane way of ridding ourselves of these pests? (Safe to
us, our cat, and the chipmunks and squirrels that share our
land.)

Thanks,
Gary



Let's drop the "humane". Don't torture meese, but please consider the
fact that they are creatures that can bring disease into the home. Clean
everything like mad (crumbs in cupboards and under the fridge, etc.).
Feed pets once or twice a day, but don't leave food down on the floor,
at least until mice are gone. Plug every minute opening that you can
find - around hose bibs, dryer vents, gaps in siding, etc. Meese like
warmth - gas appliance pilot, fridge motor. My favorite places for
mouse traps, which usually kill instantly, are behind stove and fridge,
where pets can't get to them. Put all cereal and grain (pet food, too)
in hard containers with tight closure. If you have clothing and pet
food stored in garage, it is likely they have set up housekeeping there
- very cozy. Trash cans in garage with tight-fitting lid? If a mouse
has the misfortune to be caught in trap and not die immediately, it is
less of a misfortune than pets or family getting something that mice or
their fleas carry.