Mice and voles

The problem

For some time the previous owners had problems with unwanted guests visiting and not cleaning after themselves-
Befor any other work starts, the source and entry points for the vermin needs to be located and blocked.

Solving the problem

In reality, placing killtraps does not get you to the source of the infestation, instead I chose to make te mice and voles show me how they get in and out of the house.

 

Setting up a "trap"

In some youtube clip by Shawn woods I got the pefect fix.
instead of killing the creatures I used UV powder.
For a week I let them feast on seeds and walk all over with the powder
stuck to their coats

Internet sourced UV powder

Exposing the powder to UV laser

 

Some preparations

Found an ad on marketplace, a terrarium for hamsters, this will work perfectly.
Step by step I've been locating and closing the entry/exit point,

To prevent rotting corpses of trapped pests this terrarium will allow me to release the remaining hiding ones that could not get out due to obvious reasons..

Internet sourced terrarium

Before setting up the trap I needed a way to entice the pests
and have them enter peacefully.

A trap is constructed

3D printed a trap that uses counterweights and magnet.

3D model concept before print

 

Load testing

 

The first catch

Removal the the first catch, letting it run free.

A shy vole

 

Time to go back to the forest

Tracing the steps

 

Mice traps in video has been disabled

Following the trails under cabinets

 

Old kitchen installation used an assortment of cabinets and material scavenged from who knows where, no need to be carefull.

No real access under the sinc

Cutting the bottom reveals entry point.

The amount of dirt and pest urine that seeped into the wood can not be cleaned away, the flooring needs to be replaced.

 

Closing the gaps

Mice needs just about 10mm to start gnawing an entry, I filled all the gaps I've found witth steel mesh and wool.
fill the rest with builder's foam, hopefully this will last a few years.

-220730

 

Follow up

It has been some 2 years now, still no signs of pests.
I've had a plate o seeds placed in the living room since the "last hole was closed, no visitors has been nibbling on them.

-240905

 

Final -241028

Compilation video

Complete sequences and trapping footage:

A compilation video