Mice

I like mice. Mickey and Minnie, Mighty Mouse (Here I Come to Save the Day), Pinky and the Brain. I’ve had pet mice.

But real wild mice… I’ve cut a garage project short when I discovered evidence of a widespread infiltration. Which delayed the homeowner’s dream of turning the garage into a playspace. And I don’t want to know what the clean-up cost. I’d rather not remember how many possessions were lost.

I’m going to share my on-the-ground observations for preventing rodent incursions: add in the advice of experts such as members of the King County Public Health community and you’ll have a chance to chase them away and keep them out.

First and most urgent – DON’T GIVE THEM A PICNIC. I can’t tell you how often I see leftover candy cane boxes, Halloween treat bags, bird seed sacks, soda bottles and I can’t remember what else chewed through and crumbs scattered around. Store necessities in critter-proof canisters. Toss the leftover seasonal stuff at the end of the holiday – it ain’t gonna taste good much longer anyway.

Second – GET RID OF CARDBOARD. PLEASE. PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE. They nest in cardboard. And shed in it. And pee. And poop. You really going to want to touch that four-year-old box to ship a monitor back to the OEM if you need repairs?

Third – CAREFULLY STORE ANYTHING ELSE THAT THEY MIGHT NEST IN. Clothing, crafting fabrics, gift packing tissue, blankets and comforters, sleeping bags. Just like food, store that stuff in critter-proof bins.

Fourth – bad news. These tiny brats can get in ANYWHERE. Start BIG – keep your doors and windows closed, keep barriers against the floor. But hunt for the tiny access points – around pipes, electric panels, dryer vents, you name it – and seal those as well. And remember the invaders CLIMB.