Similarly, how are you with ferrets? We had a rat problem, got two ferrets, and the rats moved out on general principle. Works best if you give the ferrets the run of the house every once in a while so the predator scent properly wards the premises.
It's so funny thinking of rodents being afraid of ferrets. They'd likely play with the rats rather than hurt them. It's like mistaking a pug for a timberwolf. Awww, so cuuuuute! :)
Eh. All the cats I've ever had were too persnickity to chase mice anyway. Crickets are easier prey, and they are crunchier. Spainy cat would be horrified by the prospect of rodentia, but not so horrified that she could be moved to do anything about it, I bet ;-)
We have a rat terrier (a pound puppy we were so lucky to get!) that catches field mice and chipmunks while walking on leash. But, on the other hand, she was continuously freaking out with separation anxiety until we added more 4-legged family members for her to commune with during the day.
Of course, with crazy schedules, it's really difficult to add a dog's needs to the mix!
Aaarggghhh. Mice in the walls! It's absolutely INCREDIBLE how much noise such tiny creatures can make!!
Cats arent any help against mice in the walls anyway; that's all propaganda by the cat lobby. They just cock their heads and listen with great interest, then go back to shedding all over the house.
What you need are traps. Lots of traps. Traps work; mice are not very smart. It's briefly unpleasant dealing with the tragic little corpses, but after a few more nights of CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP echoing through your walls you will find the brutality of traps becomes much more acceptable.
Have you tried one of the sonic/ultrasonic devices that make noise mice don't like? We have one up in the attic and our mouse problem has been much reduced. Though, I give most of the credit to our cat since I frequently have to bury dead furry things. If only I could get him to concentrate on the mice and moles and leave the doggone chipmunks alone!
I was told that Devon Rex cats do not have dander--which is what causes most cat allergies. An acquaintance bought one for his daughter, thus getting around the allergy problems. If you could find one that thinks mice are fun toys (give it a few catnip rabbit skin mousies...) you might have a winning combination for your home.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 10:41 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 11:42 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 12:00 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 12:03 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 12:21 pm (UTC)We had a rat problem, got two ferrets, and the rats moved out on general principle. Works best if you give the ferrets the run of the house every once in a while so the predator scent properly wards the premises.
It's so funny thinking of rodents being afraid of ferrets. They'd likely play with the rats rather than hurt them. It's like mistaking a pug for a timberwolf. Awww, so cuuuuute! :)
(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 12:50 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 03:24 pm (UTC)Of course, with crazy schedules, it's really difficult to add a dog's needs to the mix!
(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 03:39 pm (UTC)Cats arent any help against mice in the walls anyway; that's all propaganda by the cat lobby. They just cock their heads and listen with great interest, then go back to shedding all over the house.
What you need are traps. Lots of traps. Traps work; mice are not very smart. It's briefly unpleasant dealing with the tragic little corpses, but after a few more nights of CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP echoing through your walls you will find the brutality of traps becomes much more acceptable.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 05:21 pm (UTC)http://www.livejournal.com/users/liadan_m/287051.html
http://www.livejournal.com/users/liadan_m/288439.html
http://www.livejournal.com/users/liadan_m/292252.html
http://www.livejournal.com/users/liadan_m/294791.html
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 06:18 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-06 08:16 pm (UTC)