Mice in the garage...

[Badfish740]

About a week ago I noticed evidence of mice in the garage (droppings/fabric items torn up) so I set traps. I've caught four so far but there is at least one more out there. I checked the trap this morning and the little bugger somehow managed to get the peanut butter without tripping it. I really need to get this under control as the garage loft is where we store out-of-season clothes. We keep everything in Rubbermaid bins but they did manage to get into my hunting bin (it was overfull and stuff was bulging out) and tear up my good canvas coveralls. I can't use poison because we have a dog who roams the yard freely-I don't want to take the chance that one of them might take the poison, and possibly get outside before they succumb. What worries me is that I have no idea how many there might be and I've yet to find a nest. Anyone have any other advice besides set more traps and hope for the best? I'm wishing I had a good barn cat right about now...

 

[Chimney Smoke]

I found evidence of them in my garage this year as well. I set out 4 traps and caught probably 8-10 over the fall. I haven't caught any in a month or so and I'm hoping I got them all. Also no evidence they're still there. One thing I've found is to leave some birdseed on the floor, if they're still around they'll get into it quickly and you'll at least know you haven't gotten them all.

 

[semipro]

I use traps and entry control.
UV light can be used to track their urine trails which may help you find the point of entry. Great Stuff now makes a foam that supposedly discourages rodents.
Mice use urine trails to find their way back to their nests. Even if you kill all in a current infestation new mice can use these trails later. You can clean the trails of urine to confuse them.
Good traps and proper placement make a big difference. Insects can clean the peanut butter from a trap and leave it untripped.

 

[SXIPro]

Put fabric softener sheets in with your packed clothing/fabrics. Works like mothballs, but don't smell hideous like mothballs do. I use the cheapest brand I can buy to keep critters from moving into my boats/jetskis over the winter.

 

[ironpony]

If you caught four, a lot more running around. we have the same problem with all our Halloween stuff, not as bad when they chew it up adds realism.
I use a bucket trap, works well. Also our birdfeed and stuff is in the shed now so they make homes out there by their food source.

 

[Badfish740]

I use a bucket trap, works well. Also our birdfeed and stuff is in the shed now so they make homes out there by their food source.

Never heard of a bucket trap before so I Googled it:

http://fivegallonideas.com/bucket-mouse-trap/

Brilliant! Sure beats setting a trap every time and looks more effective. I keep the dog's food in the garage in a sealed container, but sometimes it would spill or get knocked over and food would get scattered here or there, which is probably what attracted them.

 

[ironpony]

Never heard of a bucket trap before so I Googled it:

http://fivegallonideas.com/bucket-mouse-trap/

Brilliant! Sure beats setting a trap every time and looks more effective. I keep the dog's food in the garage in a sealed container, but sometimes it would spill or get knocked over and food would get scattered here or there, which is probably what attracted them.

actually my design is different, I will get you a pic. I think mine is better

 

[cwitham]

I am intrigued by a better version of this genius design.... Insert popcorn smiley here

 

[ironpony]

as promised

first pic trap set, inner circle is aluminum coil stock used for house trim.
second, mouse steps on "floor" it tilts and mouse falls in. once they fall in "floor" self centers closing bucket.
third, note shape of rod, Z shape on end so lid self centers.
I put peanut butter and bird seed mix in center of circle

my reasoning for being better
the mouse does not have to jump, just steps out and falls in
bucket closes so wife does not see dead mice in bucket in garage.
other mice do not see their buddies in bottom of bucket and run away

 

[ccg36]

Old style moth balls, made with naptha, in cheese cloth or old nylons placed around garage work great.

 

[wahoowad]

 

[peakbagger]

Pour some non toxic antifreeze in the bottom of the bucket trap. It keep the carcasses from smelling, RV antifreeze works well. Just dump it when its full.

 

[bsruther]

The bucket is by far the best mouse trap I've used. I call mine the wheel of misfortune.
I paint rubber cement on the can and roll it on a plate of sunflower seeds then smear it with peanut butter.

 

[peakbagger]

Great idea on the sunflower seeds and peanut butter. !

 

[Utilitrack]

Love the idea of the bucket, but have dogs so the antifreeze scares me...Does anyone think that this may draw more mice in or do you think it just captures existing mice?

 

[bsruther]

I don't use antifreeze, just water. My detached garage stays above freezing for most of the winter. Only time the water freezes is during sustained single digit temps. By then, the mice are gone. If you have a problem with freezing, perhaps you can use RV antifreeze.

 

[peakbagger]

A garage will definitely draw in mice from the outside. If they can find something to eat they will breed until they run out of things to eat.

Without antifreeze, the water can get quite ripe quickly unless you change it frequently. I expect the dogs will be attracted to the rotten smell more than the antifreeze. Non toxic antifreeze cuts down on the need to change it out and deals with the freezing issue.

 

[Dougsey]

Because the OP mentioned he has dogs, reminder that anti-freeze is extremely toxic to dogs.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/digestive/e_multi_antifreeze_poisoning

 

[peakbagger]

That's why I mentioned non toxic antifreeze. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a food additive and is non toxic. Water systems in campers is winterized with the stuff.

 

[DickRussell]

That's why I mentioned non toxic antifreeze. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a food additive and is non toxic. Water systems in campers is winterized with the stuff.

I believe you meant to say propylene glycol, not PEG. Propylene glycol is what RV antifreeze commonly contains, and is dyed pink to indicate non-toxic, rather than green to reflect toxicity.

 

[peakbagger]

Darn spell check!

 

[ozzy73]

Wahoowad, those are some seriously big rats.........how did you kill them ?