Mice mischief

[jyoutz]

No question Fuddy - the SUPERIOR solution. I've had cats - on/off - for years. The problem - can't train them to stay home at night. Owls & coyotes just love cats, for snacks.

I have that exact same issue: great horned owls or coyotes always get the cats after a few months.

 

[jyoutz]

I use TomCat traps and poison in my pole barn. Poisons like TomCat aren't as effective as they used to be since the EPA forced a formula change. It may not kill the rodents but at least it gives 'em something to chew on.

There are two formulations of Tom cat: one with warfarin, the other with bromalide. The latter is more toxic to rodents. And yes, both types are still sold. I saw them at tractor supply a few weeks ago.

 

[bdhsfz6]

There are two formulations of Tom cat: one with warfarin, the other with bromalide. The latter is more toxic to rodents. And yes, both types are still sold. I saw them at tractor supply a few weeks ago.

Good to know it's still available. The toxic formula is banned in many states though, including mine.

Maybe I should try buying on line.

 

[jyoutz]

Good to know it's still available. The toxic formula is banned in many states though, including mine.

Maybe I should try buying on line.

I have actually had good results (dead mice) with both formulations, so I went back to buying the cheaper product (Warfarin). But the other is supposed to be more toxic to rodents.

 

[Fuddy1952]

I have that exact same issue: great horned owls or coyotes always get the cats after a few months.

I know coyotes get cats, didn't know great horned owls did though. Cats are great inside a building, barn, horse stable, etc. You wouldn't have wild animals in there.

 

[jyoutz]

I know coyotes get cats, didn't know great horned owls did though. Cats are great inside a building, barn, horse stable, etc. You wouldn't have wild animals in there.

Cats just like to go prowling outside after dark. Then the owls and coyotes get them.

 

[DieselBound]

I can't/won't use poison: too many critters; and having rodents crawl in somewhere and die can be problematic. Bucket traps and the plastic Victor traps that have the "serving bowl" in them (pack in peanut butter and it can last several catches) both work great; but they're a management/maintenance issue- just kind of accept it as a way of life...

If you have larger rodents just tie the traps off so they're not carted away.

 

[gstrom99]

I've switched to Tom Cat glue traps. A little more pricey. New design has white plastic and lime green glue, which helps to see what you catch. I've also found securing them somehow helps them from being carried/pulled away. There also "rat sized" traps, which are nice.

I've tried the electric zapper style too. Waste of $$. There were barn cats here when I moved in. I caught too many them in my live traps, needed for the raccoon infestation, which I've now got under control.