Do the new mice repellers and humane mouse traps that are now being sold really offer better solutions to an old problem? Absolutely! They make the old spring traps seem like little torture racks for rodents. I'm sure that most of us have gone through this situation - you bait an old style mouse trap one evening and wake up the next day to the mouse or rat trapped, but not quite dead. Very unpleasant! But the new devices make that a thing of the past.
Mice repellers
Mice repellers are available in spray or granular applications. They work by using odors that mice find repulsive, like peppermint, or predator odors that they fear. Most of these solutions are made for both indoor and outdoor use and are safe to use around children and pets. These products certainly do work, but in order for them to be effective you have to make sure that your whole home has 'coverage', or the pests will simply find the way in where there's no repellent.
The first time you use a repellent follow the manufacturer's suggestions. They certainly try to be factual about the square footage their product will cover, but keep in mind that there are a lot of variables to consider. In the end it will probably take a little trial and error on your part to get it just right for your home.
Electronic Mouse Repellers
Electronic Mouse Repellers are the other type of humane mouse deterrent. These gadgets work by emitting sound waves that rodents want to avoid, but aren't noticeable to humans and pets. If you decide to go with this solution be sure to get a repeller that constantly fluctuates the frequency and tone.
Why?
Because it's been found that rodents can adapt to any consistent noise over time - a continuous tone won't work as a long term solution.
Some electronic mice repellers even claim to rid your home of other pests such as cockroaches, spiders, scorpions, and other bugs.
Humane Mouse Traps
Humane mouse traps come in two distinct catagories. The first kind simply catches the mouse, while the second kind delivers an electrical shock, killing on contact.
The modern 'humane' mouse trap is a basic cage with doors that lock shut when the bait inside (placed on a sensitive trigger) is tampered with. But now that you've caught your mouse what are you going to do with it? The most obvious answer seems to be taking it to the countryside and releasing it. Another solution is your city's Animal Control Department. In most cities they do offer 'pest disposal'.
Now, is the electric mouse trap really humane? I can only say that it's a lot more humane than the old spring traps. These traps are made to work instantly, and are designed so that curious kids and nosy pets are safe from a shock. Most are battery operated and made so that disposal is a hands-off process.
So don't you think it's time to get rid of that old mouse trap and try something new? While there's no doubt that these pests have to go, there's just no longer any reason at all for them to suffer in the process.
Better mouse traps have been built!
