The Wirecutter Show How To Win the War Against Mice
Oct 9, 2024
Doug Mahoney, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter specializing in home improvement, shares his expertise on rodent control as fall arrives. He discusses the migratory habits of mice, offering practical tips for prevention and recognizing infestations. The conversation dives into various traps, weighing the ethics of humane methods versus quick-kill solutions. Listeners will enjoy humorous anecdotes from a New Hampshire farm, along with insights on managing not just mice but also rat challenges in urban settings.
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Initial Rodent Control
- Clean your home thoroughly to remove food and shelter, making it less attractive to rodents.
- Focus on the kitchen, pantry, and any areas with crumbs or food debris.
Sealing Entry Points
- Patch up holes in your home's exterior, foundation, and siding to prevent rodent entry.
- Use cement, sealant, spray foam, or Brillo pads to effectively seal gaps and cracks.
Ethical Mouse Traps
- Kill traps are considered more ethical than catch-and-release or glue traps for mice.
- Relocating mice is often illegal and disrupts their established habitats, leading to likely death.