Field mice are one of the most common pests that can enter your garden and cause several damages. These pests can also enter your home, bringing in more problems like diseases and viruses. When you’ve detected an infestation, it’s important to handle the situation right away so that you don’t end up with worse issues.
So how do you eliminate these pests from your garden? To get rid of field mice in the garden, you can try to:
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- Set baited traps
- Use poison
- Use mice deterrents
- Recruit natural predators
- Seal rodent entry points
- Remove food sources
- Block rodent burrows
- Modify your yard
How to Eliminate Field Mice In Your Yard
Field mice aren’t a specific species of mice and the name mostly refers to deer mice, which is a species that generally lives in fields, forests, and farms. Still, a rodent infestation is a serious problem for most homeowners, and can cause several problems like going through your food or chewing on wires. Here are some methods to help you eliminate field mice in your garden:
1. Set Baited Traps
One of the first methods you can do to eliminate field mice is to set baited traps. Trapping is an affordable yet effective way to catch mice, and there are different kinds of traps available on the market. Some of the traps you can use are:
- Snap trap: With the use of bait and a quick trigger system, the wooden or metal snap trap offers an easy method to eliminate mice.
- Catch and release: A catch and release trap uses bait to catch mice, but doesn’t instantly kill the rodents so you have an option to let them go wherever you want.
- Glue board: Glue boards or glue traps have a thin, sticky surface that catches mice when they step on it. You may place some enticing bait near glue boards to lure field mice.
- Electronic traps: This kind of trap delivers a high-voltage shock that quickly kills mice when they come into contact with it.
2. Use Poison
Poison is another effective way to remove field mice and it can either be store bought or homemade. When using store bought poison, remember to be extra careful since it can also be toxic to humans and other pets. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using it to kill mice.
An example of homemade poison you can use is a mixture of baking soda, flour, and cocoa powder. To make this DIY poison, mix one part baking soda, one part flour, and one part cocoa powder in a bowl and put the mixture in areas where you usually find the pests. This poison smells like cocoa powder, so the mice are less suspicious of it.
3. Use Mice Deterrents
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Just like mice traps and poison, there are a variety of deterrents you can use to eliminate the rodents. You can easily buy electronic rodent deterrents that emit a high radio frequency sound to repel field mice. This device’s sound isn’t heard by humans, but it can help deter rodents and other pests
Likewise, household items with strong scents like peppermint oil, citronella oil, and ammonia are helpful in keeping mice away. You can also place certain kitchen staples like onions, tabasco sauce, chili flakes, and other ingredients with pungent smells around your garden.
4. Recruit Natural Predators
One of the most natural ways to keep the field mice population under control is to simply recruit their predators. Here are some animals that serve as predators for field mice:
- Cats: Cats are one of the most popular predators of mice. Breeds like the American Shorthair and Maine Coon are known to chase down mice and scare them away.
- Owls: Owls are also great predators and can control mice populations by hunting upto a dozen mice per night. Just like mice, these birds are also more active at night so they are more likely to catch the pests.
- Dogs: Some specific breeds of dogs like terriers were bred to hunt down rodents. Terriers make great predators because they are quick and agile enough to catch mice easily. You can also choose to take care of a dachshund or German Pinscher to help with the problem.
5. Seal Rodent Entry Points
Regularly inspect your garden of any cracks or gaps and seal these properly. Mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a dime, so be wary of anything that can serve as entry points for them. Check your walls for any areas that these garden pests have possibly chewed through.
To seal the entry points, you can use steel wool and caulk compound. This compound can smooth out almost any surface and it is strong enough so that mice cannot chew or gnaw through it. You can also use other materials like thick metal, glass, or hard plastic to cover up any gaps.
6. Remove Food Sources
If your garden has fruits and vegetables that field mice can feed on, make sure to collect the food sources on time and do not let them sit on the ground for a long time. Compost piles can also be attractive to these creatures especially if they contain food. Mice don’t like wet beddings, so soaking your compost in water can help prevent them from finding shelter in this place.
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Bird seed also attracts mice, so if you have a bird feeder in your yard you should be mindful of bird seed spilling on the ground. Pick up any bird seeds that have fallen to the ground and invest in a rodent-proof bird feeder.
7. Block Rodent Burrows
Burrows are also one of the most common ways field mice enter your garden. When you spot any rodent burrows, you can stuff it with steel wool or copper mesh wire. You may also place a chicken wire on top of the burrow to discourage re-entry.
8. Clean Up and Modify Your Yard
The last method you can do to eliminate these pests is to clean up and modify your yard. Cluttered spaces and unprotected plants make your garden vulnerable to field mice, so it’s best to do the following precautions:
- Remove Wood Piles: Wood piles and tall grass serve as great hiding and nesting places for rodents. Make it a habit to regularly mow your grass and clear out any wood that has piled up over time.
- Secure Waste Bins: Even though field mice will usually eat fruit and vegetables, your waste bins also provide them with excellent food sources. When throwing out your waste, make sure that the bins are secured properly to prevent the pests from rummaging through it.
- Protect Your Plants: Protecting your plants with wire can prevent field mice from climbing or going near it. You may wrap your plants with wire to make it unappealing for mice.
Rodent Control at Pinnacle Pest Management
If you’re struggling with a field mice infestation in your yard, then the best way to eliminate the pests is by calling professional help. Here at Pinnacle Pest Management, we provide professional rodent control services in Northern California.
Our team consists of technicians who conduct thorough inspections of your property to eliminate mice and rats. We use the latest technology in pest control and guarantee to provide excellent service for all our clients. To know more about us and the services we offer, you can call us or visit our website.
Learn more: Do Field Mice Infest Houses?
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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