To kill the mice??

[ElephantsSitOnSmellyPants]

We live semi-rurally and this time every year we end up with mice in the house. I don’t really know why but the neighbours complain of it too.

I have two small children. Keeping the house clean is difficult with toddlers but I work hard at it and I think it’s pretty clean generally.

The mice drive me to distraction. I find poo everywhere including in the toy box. I have to put food away into tubs. It makes me feel like everything is dirty and it really gets me down.

I have tried humane traps and it doesn’t work fast enough. So we bought poison blocks from b&q this year and put them down behind the kitchen units.

So today I was at my in-laws for lunch and my sister in law was there. We generally have a pretty good relationship. Mother in law asked about the mice (cheers for broadcasting that!) and I said we had put poison down. Subject was changed.

Got home and SIL has messaged me on WhatsApp basically to tell me she’s “disappointed” that we would choose to “murder” the mice in this way, she simply “could not do that” and “could we please just use the humane traps - I’ll even buy them for you??”

Honestly. I mean I like animals and I am not delighted with the fact that we are poisoning the mice. I just try not to think about it to be honest. But this is our home and I just need them gone!!

Our cat thinks he's a dog... He licks and paws us. He's super lazy and overweight BUT our mice problem disappeared overnight when we got a cat! I work nightshift so he's locked in the house all night. He sleeps all night, uses the litterbox maybe once a night. During the day when I sleep I leave the sliding door open a wee bit so he can come and go (he doesn't! He sleeps w me!)
Cats are very independent!! Het one! Ps males are less likely to destroy your wallpaper and furniture!)

Ifit being alone all day is your only concern I hope this helps. I have had a cat for 7 years now. I leave for work at 5 30am. My husband leaves anytime from half 7 and neither of us returns before 5 30pm. She's alone a lot. She's fine. I feed her 2 pouches before I leave and make sure her tray is clean. She shouts at me a little when I get home but there is never an issue. If a cat would be a loved addition to your household with the added benefit of helping with mice I would recommend getting one

I cant understand why the humane traps are not working for me. I came down one night and it seemed to have worked. The next morning it was empty and in a different position. I think some mice can get out of them. I don't understand why the sonic plug in is not a deterrent either.

I tried the humane method, but unfortunately those traps didn't work, so I moved to poison. Not ideal, but neither are mice. Don't feel bad.

And I have a cat, so tried that avenue first

Of course not get the traps out!

And tell her to mind her own business the clown

Rescues are always looking to regime feral cats who are used to living outside and catching their own dinner. You can leave some food out for them and ensure they have shelter and are neutered and they’ll keep your mice under control.