Common mistakes while trying to tackle pest problems on your own

Common mistakes while trying to tackle pest problems on your own
Please don't use sticky traps! They are hazardous for any small animal that comes upon them like birds and snakes (which can actually make your mouse problem worse!) Plus it can take days for the mouse to die, which is cruel. We can use faster methods.
Personally I don't like killing "pesky" animals (and am in no way condemning how others choose to deal with them), I find that when I leave food out for the chipmunks, birds and other lil creatures, they leave my garden alone. Spring traps are horrible and I am saddened that Mother Earth Living would promote such cruel devices! The comment about mint essential oil is great- it will keep a variety of "pesky" creatures away. Don't use Victor mousetraps with the yellow bait trays because they don't work 3 Step: First: please do not use poison. It doesn't kill the mouse right away, but it does make them sick and slow and owls will grab them, and you poison the owls Second: use an old fashioned spring trap, bait with peanut putter, and place in a lunch bag. This makes for great cleanup. Just pickup the bag and throw away. Third: if you have a barn, think about getting some barn cats. The humane society in my area traps and spays/neuters feral cats, and provides them as barn cats. These cats aren't social, and prefer being a wild cat. But, you are giving them cover, and plenty of food. You help them, they help you, win-win
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