Peanut butter. MOST of them go "bananas" over peanut butter. At least their northern relatives here do. In fact, you might find out how many mice you may have.. they are attracted to peanut butter as well.
I've done this particular chore several times for clients.
I use a small "Hav-a-hart" trap (basically a wire cage with a door that snaps shut and locks) and bait it with peanut butter or corn. Try to wire the bait to the trigger of the trap as securely as you can so you know they'll trip it without getting out of jail free. What you do with them after they're trapped is up to you. (I generally just put the trap - with it's occupants - in a bucket of water for ten minutes or so).
Plugging the hole they've made is best done with sheet metal, if you can do that and still make it look halfway decent. Plug it up with wood, and they'll be back to chewing on it in a day or two - uh, unless you employ my method of dealing with the trapped critters. "Born-free" sensiblities don't translate well into real-life wildlife management, IMHO...
However you choose to get them (and keep them) out of your attic, I encourage you to do so quickly. In spite of Ham being a friendly squirelly sort, YOUR rodents can do lots of damage.
This time of year they enjoy nesting near the warmth of ceiling light fixtures. What they bring to build a nest with can be extremely flammable, and they have been known to gnaw on nearby electric wires. I have traced electrical problems in a house to squirrel nests, and found "short circuited" squirrels still attached to the wires.
Many insurance policies do not cover rodent damage by the way. You might check yours.
You should probably check your local laws to find out what action is required with the critters once you capture them. Around here, raccoons are very prevalent and they can carry rabies. For that reason, the law here prohibits relocation of trapped animals. They either have to be released elsewhere on the same property or destroyed.
Squirrels are not as likely to carry rabies but they certainly can. Some people may find it cruel to destroy the trapped animals but it may be the only legal recourse.
Besides, it's better to sacrifice a few varmints than put human life in jeopardy.(IMO)
For further deterence of these critters use spearmint. This supposedly keeps rodents away. Watch it though if you decide to grow your own it is an invasive plant and will spread like crazy.
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Ham
well..
Peanut butter. MOST of them go "bananas" over peanut butter. At least their northern relatives here do. In fact, you might find out how many mice you may have.. they are attracted to peanut butter as well.
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bulwinkl
Give them a green card I know of at least one squirrel that fell for that. But be careful there are some mooses's that fell for that too.:)
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George Aar
I've done this particular chore several times for clients.
I use a small "Hav-a-hart" trap (basically a wire cage with a door that snaps shut and locks) and bait it with peanut butter or corn. Try to wire the bait to the trigger of the trap as securely as you can so you know they'll trip it without getting out of jail free. What you do with them after they're trapped is up to you. (I generally just put the trap - with it's occupants - in a bucket of water for ten minutes or so).
Plugging the hole they've made is best done with sheet metal, if you can do that and still make it look halfway decent. Plug it up with wood, and they'll be back to chewing on it in a day or two - uh, unless you employ my method of dealing with the trapped critters. "Born-free" sensiblities don't translate well into real-life wildlife management, IMHO...
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HAPe4me
However you choose to get them (and keep them) out of your attic, I encourage you to do so quickly. In spite of Ham being a friendly squirelly sort, YOUR rodents can do lots of damage.
This time of year they enjoy nesting near the warmth of ceiling light fixtures. What they bring to build a nest with can be extremely flammable, and they have been known to gnaw on nearby electric wires. I have traced electrical problems in a house to squirrel nests, and found "short circuited" squirrels still attached to the wires.
Many insurance policies do not cover rodent damage by the way. You might check yours.
~HAP
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waysider
You should probably check your local laws to find out what action is required with the critters once you capture them. Around here, raccoons are very prevalent and they can carry rabies. For that reason, the law here prohibits relocation of trapped animals. They either have to be released elsewhere on the same property or destroyed.
Squirrels are not as likely to carry rabies but they certainly can. Some people may find it cruel to destroy the trapped animals but it may be the only legal recourse.
Besides, it's better to sacrifice a few varmints than put human life in jeopardy.(IMO)
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copenhagen
Get a box or two of moth balls, depending on who larage the attic is and spread them around.
The little guys can not stand the smell and will leave.
Your house will smell like moth balls for a week.
copenhagen
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Ham
More like two months..
I used some to persuade bats to find another dwelling once.
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Bumpy
Oh! Tannenbaum Oh! Tannenbaum!!
On The Way To Your Eternal Rest...They Promised You All The Best! This May However Be The Closest You Get, To Your Way Corps Promised Fest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU1IwEyD0zA
Best for 2008 and all the Rest!! Bump
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ex70sHouston
I got one. Hauled him about 10 miles away and reeased him down by the river.
When he clesred the cage he was moving.
I have the trap rebated in case friends come back.
I am trying to get one of my sons to get up and patch the hole.
He weighed a lot for the small size. I was suprised he didn't act up when I carried him out of the attic.
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bulwinkl
For further deterence of these critters use spearmint. This supposedly keeps rodents away. Watch it though if you decide to grow your own it is an invasive plant and will spread like crazy.
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masterherbalist
And spearmint spreading is bad how?????????
(Just had to say it.)
The green card comment was really funny!!!!
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