Mice Keep Eating My Newly Planted Seeds and Seedlings!
- Thread starter lighthouse
- Start date
Doug Dawson
Well-Known Member
The first thing I would do is find out where they are coming from. Seal entry points and than traps will take care of the rest. Might be worth calling a pro to find the source.
Funkentelechy
Well-Known Member
I had a friend that had the same problem, this year he built a cage around his seedlings using hardware cloth, https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-Actual-10-ft-x-3-ft-Steel-Welded-Wire-Rolled-Hardware-Cloth-Fencing/1000367331 , problem solved. Just make sure it's fully enclosed mice can climb up just about anything.
You'll never get them all with traps, obviously the mice got into your attic somehow and they will just keep coming.
The link I posted is just an example, you can get hardware cloth in different lengths and heights, and in different size mesh openings, any hardware store should carry it. I would go for the 1/4 inch mesh, a mouse can crawl through 1/2 inch.
A mouse won't chew through hardware cloth, I used to make cages for the rats out of it and rats never chewed through hardware cloth.
Or if you are not into building things, and depending on how many seedlings you have, you may be able to buy a mouse cage to put your seedlings inside of. Then mount your light over the cage.
You'll never get them all with traps, obviously the mice got into your attic somehow and they will just keep coming.
The link I posted is just an example, you can get hardware cloth in different lengths and heights, and in different size mesh openings, any hardware store should carry it. I would go for the 1/4 inch mesh, a mouse can crawl through 1/2 inch.
A mouse won't chew through hardware cloth, I used to make cages for the rats out of it and rats never chewed through hardware cloth.
Or if you are not into building things, and depending on how many seedlings you have, you may be able to buy a mouse cage to put your seedlings inside of. Then mount your light over the cage.
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Vtlegalindoor
Active Member
I'm having this problem as well solved it previously with tomcat glue tray traps extraordinarily effective bait with Skippy peanut butter seems most effective 200% capture rate isn't uncommon throw a paper towel over the captured mouse and whack it with a boot heel. A word of advice for married men don't leave the baited traps unattended when you're wife is home alone it's cost me hours at work going home to deal with a struggling mouse
TugthePup
Well-Known Member
Old fashioned snap traps are the way to go. Put the trigger mechanism towards the wall. I would set one every 6ft or so. The first 2 nights just bait the trigger without setting the trap. If they are taking the bait set them on the 3rd night. Continue to trap until you stop catching mice. Change baits and reset the program.
Sticky traps are ok. They were developed by the industry, so the consumer has to continue to buy new traps. They gather dirt and become less effective over time.
Baits are also good but it is harder to moniter how much activity there is and also contribute to heavy metal buildup in the environment. Another drawback is you may have a smell when the mice die in the wall. With the traps you can dispose of the dead mice immediately. From here always leave a trap set behind the stove, fridge, and washer and dryer to moniter future infestation.
Sticky traps are ok. They were developed by the industry, so the consumer has to continue to buy new traps. They gather dirt and become less effective over time.
Baits are also good but it is harder to moniter how much activity there is and also contribute to heavy metal buildup in the environment. Another drawback is you may have a smell when the mice die in the wall. With the traps you can dispose of the dead mice immediately. From here always leave a trap set behind the stove, fridge, and washer and dryer to moniter future infestation.
