Woodmice and Maths.

Jim Ford · #1 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:21 PM

For a few years now we've been leaving crushed digestive biscuits in a dish on a bedroom table, for the birds. They come right into the bedroom while we're sitting up in bed in the morning, particularly blackbirds and robins. It's quite charming!

More recently we've realised that we now have mice as a result, and I've bought 2 humane traps to get rid of them (B&Q's own one - 'Trip-Trap' and very effective). We've stopped leaving biscuits out and bait the traps with peanut butter.

For a few weeks now I've been catching 2 or three a night. I'm woken with a 'clonk' as the trap tips and the door closes. I then tip the culprit out of the window and watch it fall to a mat and scuttle off unharmed (like a cat, they fall on their feet). I've caught about 45 so far and am getting a bit fed up with the interrupted sleep!

The 'Maths'?

Well, I'm wondering just how many mice we're harbouring, and what sort of population is needed to sustain an attrition rate of 2 or 3 a night! Is it possible that there's a big enough population and they're breeding as fast or (faster) than I'm catching them, and I'll never win?

Jim

Kayleigh · #2 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:27 PM

Silly boy lol you are happy to entice the birds into your bedroom but moan when mice move in..

I think its the same mice you throw out everyday they know where the food is/was so just climb back up..
I have woodmice in the garden and when I move the feeders the mice follow it.

Jim Ford · #3 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:34 PM

I just knew I'd get support and sympathy from you, Kayleigh!

;^)

Jim

werdnal · #4 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:35 PM

I agree with you Kayleigh. For years we blamed the cat for bringing in mice, but having seen them walk in the front door when we've left it open, I had to admit otherwise.

Mice, like most animals, will go to great lengths for a reliable source of food.

~T~ · #5 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:52 PM

I agree they will be the same mice. Years back we had one in the house and I could catch it and release it in the waste ground behind my garden (about 50ft from the house). The mouse would travel back and get caught that same night. I knew it was the same one cos it had lost it's tail. It finally stopped coming back when I took it much farther away to the local park.

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I just knew I'd get support and sympathy from you, Kayleigh!

;^)

Jim

Your so funny.. You keep me amused for hours..

Meta menardi · #7 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 10:57 PM

Quick dab with a felt tip pen should answer questions as to whether they are new mice or not.

The Woodman · #8 (**permalink**) 29-05-2011, 11:00 PM

I might be tempted to suggest marking them by fur clipping, Jim and see if they are the same ones you released. However, it would involve unnecessary stress but I'll wager that they're the same ones!