Rodent Free Garage?

Archrms · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 06:00 AM

Any ideas how to achieve this? Last year they got into the Cobra, Mustang and motorcycle. I have tried traps with cheese and peanut butter, which work occasionally, but they are always more lurking around. I can't poison them because we have cats that roam around outside, and don't need them eating poisoned mice. I don't let the cats in the garage as I do not want them crawling around the cars either. Any other suggestions?

lovehamr · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 06:34 AM

I use sonic repellers and they seem to be working.

http://www.victorpest.com/store/rodent-control/m753

*13* · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 06:36 AM

You need meaner cats

. My Neighbor has mice & Rats. Never ever seen one here nor signs of them(Well, That's not entirely true, the outdoor cat left one on the front lawn once, as well as many birds & lizards). We have indoor cats & one outdoor. Get a thick cover for the car & get a garage cat! A big mean one!

Archrms · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 09:03 AM

I looked into the sonic repellers, but was told they might not work well in a garage full of cars and other assorted stuff. I'll give them a try, they're cheap enough.

Gunner · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archrms

I looked into the sonic repellers, but was told they might not work well in a garage full of cars and other assorted stuff. I'll give them a try, they're cheap enough.

Extensive tests have shown the sonic repellers worthless against rodents and insects. They're cheap because they don't do anything.

Got the Bug · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

Extensive tests have shown the sonic repellers worthless against rodents and insects. They're cheap because they don't do anything.

Sorry catfish21 and Bartruff1, "extensive tests" have shown that the sonic units do not work, so your positive "field tested" results have been invalidated.

Bartruff1 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Sorry catfish21 and Bartruff1, "extensive tests" have shown that the sonic units do not work, so your positive "field tested" results have been invalidated.

I'll be dammed... maybe my mice can't read...??

Archrms · #8 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 09:07 AM

13 - our cats are good hunters, killing everything from mice & rats, to birds, rabbits, and have even fought with raccoons (and won). The problem is they can't get into the garage, but the mice can. I am worried that if a cut a cat door into the garage that I might be creating an even bigger problem with the cats or other large animals that may get in through the door.

*13* · #9 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 08:55 PM

What about a bowl of fresh anti-freeze. I know it does wonders for Dogs & Cats

. Just don't let the Cats in there!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archrms

13 - our cats are good hunters, killing everything from mice & rats, to birds, rabbits, and have even fought with raccoons (and won). The problem is they can't get into the garage, but the mice can. I am worried that if a cut a cat door into the garage that I might be creating an even bigger problem with the cats or other large animals that may get in through the door.

dcdoug · #10 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 09:10 AM

There is a peppermint scented bag of herbs that is supposed to work. I have heard mothballs and scented dryer sheets work and it has also been suggested to put a tray of used dirty cat litter in the garage so the mice think there are cats around.

PFSlim · #11 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 11:12 AM

In most cases, mice like to run along floor wall junctions instead of out in the open. I have purchased some "catch all" traps from EcoLab or other Pest Control companies. This look like tin boxes and should be placed around doors where mice would enter. The mouse enters, but can not leave. Recommend checking at least 1 per week - dump out dead mice and replace trap. You can place several in your garage, but always make sure the enter hole is placed right up against the wall and the trap always remains right up next to the wall.

Look in your garage and see if there is anything there to attract the mice. Also, see if there are any opening that a mouse might enter and seal. A common house mouse or field mouse needs the size of a number 2 pencil to gain access. Check all doors and make sure they are sealed well and close doors when possible.

Hope that helps.

Paul

WarrenG · #12 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:23 PM

The scented stuff is a combination of spearmint and pepermint oil. I've used it in the garden shed and the mice still come in. I have placed bags of it under the hood of the tractor, Cobra, and all of the other cars just in case it does work. I also have two "Rat Zappers". One in the basement and one in the shed. Unfortunately, at least in the case of the mice in the basement, they figured out how to get around the contact plate that electrocutes them. The snap traps have worked the best, especially the plastic ones. The newer wooden ones aren't sensitive enough. The mice eat all of the peanut butter and the trap doesn't spring. The plastic ones are a lot more sensitive and successful.

I also hunt down snakes in my neighbor's yards and transplant them into our garden and around the shed for added security. So far no damage to any of the vehicles.

dcdoug · #13 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenG

I also hunt down snakes in my neighbor's yards and transplant them into our garden and around the shed for added security. So far no damage to any of the vehicles.

How's the wife like that move?

I know my wife wouldn't be crazy about snakes in the back yard, but then neither would the neighbors since I live in an urban environment.....

lamaluv · #14 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:40 PM

Doug living in DC I would think that all your neighbors would already be used to snakes---what with all the politicians around you fair city

Dick

catfish21 · #15 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:44 PM

I've used the sonic devices for almost 2 years now and no more rodents in the garage, definetly worth the cost, I use 2 for my 2 car garage. Best of luck

dcdoug · #16 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamaluv

Doug living in DC I would think that all your neighbors would already be used to snakes---what with all the politicians around you fair city

Dick

DC has more of a rat problem (literally and figuratively) than a snake problem.

WarrenG · #17 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

How's the wife like that move?

I know my wife wouldn't be crazy about snakes in the back yard, but then neither would the neighbors since I live in an urban environment.....

The back yard is almost 3/4 acre and the shed is about 75 yards from the house. She's OK with the snakes as long as they're outside. Either way I think she'd rather have them than mice or rats. The snake I last put down there was a little over two feet long and hungry. I interrupted it catching a meal (a frog).

Was hoping that would be extra incentive for it to immediately go after the mice.

My last Victor trap was the best "snap trap" I had. It was never empty and unsprung. It's "tomcat" traps that aren't sensitive enough. I'll give the Q-tip thing a try.

dcdoug · #18 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenG

I interrupted it catching a meal (a frog).

Well at least your garage and cobra will be frog-free this winter....

Who knows, maybe the snakes will make a den in your side pipes.

Wonder if the effect would be like sticking a banana in a normal tailpipe.

Bartruff1 · #19 (**permalink**) 12-09-2009, 08:06 AM

The de con must work....had a dog get into it and spend 7 days in intensive care including blood transfusions....turned out fine...

Paul F · #20 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 12:34 PM

As discussed, the mice like to run along the edges. I place traps along the entrances, right up against the wall. No cheese or other item needed. Place the trigger side towards the door/opening. A bare trap works fine. Cleans 'em out quick. I set out 4 traps and usually get 2 mice a night until they are all gone.