Rodent Update

[hrj]

Execution has not yet occurred. Last night's damage was a chewed corner on a box of mango juice (which I'd left on top of the food cupboard figuring it wouldn't be attractive) and a second chewed up empty plastic storage bin that is a twin to the (now hidden) bin of bird seed. We have a learning process: "plastic storage bin = seeds". The peanut-butter-baited trap, however, was untouched. I've now upped the ante by embedding a few sunflower seeds in the peanut butter. Mr. Jaws has not yet discovered about pushing open (or gnawing through) the sliding doors of the food cupboard, of which I live in dread since it has all sorts of edible goodness in there. If I had more time, I'd pull everything out for the time being and put it somewhere even more rodent-proof.

Just finishing up breakfast and off to give my lectures. Wish me luck and endurance for my vocal cords!

Comments

[marymont.livejournal.com]

When we had a home invader of the same sort we found that the only thing that worked was a glue trap. If you can find the pathways that Mr. Jaws uses, put two or three of them down. He will want to run in the same pathways, and he'll get stuck.

The first night our invader fought his way out of the trap, leaving about 3/4" of his tail and a few hairs. We left the traps down, and the next night, he got well and thoroughly stuck. My hero (husband) took the trap, rat and all, outdoors. I heard a thump, but I did not ask what the thump was. I presume it was retribution for the thievery Mr. Nibbly had done to us. We have not had an invader since, however, I'd recommend and reuse the method.

[hrj.livejournal.com]

I find glue traps very distasteful. I prefer a quick, clean death.

[kahnegabs.livejournal.com]

I'm with you on that. I used a glue trap once. Never again. I wouldn't make any creature go through that torture. Killing is sometimes necessary. Torture is not acceptable.