A few years ago we had mice in the basement, starting when the weather turns cold here. I went searching for their access hole and found they were coming in through the tops of the uncapped basement cinder block walls. I stuffed each of those (many) holes with hardware cloth, then injected sprayfoam insulation. After the insulation hardened I shaved off the excess insulation sticking above the holes, then capped all the holes with grout. Result: no more mice, and a slightly warmer basement (our house was built in 1925 and the basement is unfinished).
Peanut butter is an instant mouse attractant! They, much like dogs, cant refuse it. However, leaving food around might get rid of your mice, but also attract other hungry lil creatures that the "spiders" are supposed to get rid of - but dont! (if they did, Black Flag wouldnt exist)
Railroads have Railroad Police for pesky Railfans..... Railfans have Orkin. I have spoken (for you Mando fans ).
(kinda makes you wonder what the folks who model outside do for such things)
PMR
Howard Zane I have caught to date 12 of the critters in traps, but I hate killing them.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Howard, here are a couple of older photos. I put a smear of peanut butter and jelly in the trap, and the little critters got humanely trapped in no time flat.
Rich
Alton Junction
rrebell you can set up motion dectectors with lights and sounds with an on off switch, should keep them off the layout.
you can set up motion dectectors with lights and sounds with an on off switch, should keep them off the layout.
PM Railfan Leaving a light on, away from the test tracks seems to work. Spiders know other bugs (which are food to them) head towards light. So, so do the spiders. Still, since there is absolutely no need for them on this planet, how can we just get rid of them all?
Leaving a light on, away from the test tracks seems to work. Spiders know other bugs (which are food to them) head towards light. So, so do the spiders. Still, since there is absolutely no need for them on this planet, how can we just get rid of them all?
cowmanI have seen advertisements for sonic repellers, some for birds,...
On a more serious note, Howard, go around the outside of your house and look for access points. Caulk around water spiggots, vents, where the walls meet the foundation. It never ceases to amaze me how mice can squeeze throught the smallest of spaces.
Very interesting post!
I have the same problem of sorts. I dont have a layout per se, yet a couple of real nice test tracks. No scenery, just track and board. They too are in an unfinished basement with two large sliding doors to the outside which cannot be weather sealed because of their ancient design (1929).
Whats my problem? Spiders. For some inate reason these lil worthless creatures think they have the right to invade my living space (when they have the whole universe outside) and moreso encroach on my tracks.
You can imagine all the lil nooks and crannies on model rolling stock these nuisances can get into!
Proper insect removal which consists of flame throwers, gasoline spills, and in some rare cases small explosions.... just wont do in this case. And im not about to spray Raid on my rolling stock as a clear coat.
Mostly i can keep track of it, the test tracks are small. But - I SHOULDNT HAVE TOO! For goodness sake think what a delima if i had a normal sized layout. With scenery even!
Any answers for this one? Things tried are sticky pads on the floor (which i forget about and step on all the time) which work pretty good - if a bug walks that way. Sonic noise makers are the biggest joke in the world. Tantemount to the 'pet rock'. They look nice, but do NOTHING. Spraying in and around areas works great.... for about 10 minutes. Spiders are not belly draggers - they dont walk through poison they step over it.
HOW?
Frank, come on over and bring your mask. We can maintain a proper social distance and, rest assured, I have enough Crown Royal for both of us. If you think of it, bring along some Maraschino Cherries.
richhotrain I threw my hands up in the air.
Rich,
I got My laugh of the day and then some on Your story.....LOL... Time for a few ''Old Fashions''.
Take Care!
Frank
At one time, I had a huge problem with rabbits in my backyard. They would devastate the wife's rose garden. So, I started a trapping program with no-kill traps. Every time I caught one, I would drive about 2 miles and drop it off in a forest preserve nature setting. I kept a log. When the catches reached 110, I threw my hands up in the air.
Mice love cheese, peanut butter and jelly. Set out plates of it around the base of the layout. Keep the plates replenished and maybe they won't see any point in climbing up on the layout. Lots of luck, Howard.
I have seen advertisements for sonic repellers, some for birds, mice and other critters. Don't know if they work or not. Also, don't know if the one for mice would effect the feline population of the home or not. As I understand them, they don't kill, only make an unpleasent sound to the targeted critter, that we can't hear.
Look into them and let us know if they work or not. I'm sure you are not the only person with similar problems.
Good luck,
Richard
Folks, anyone know of a scenery foilage material that will not be candy for mice? I have over 10,000 Senic Express trees with 4 shades of green that mice love to eat and devistate the areas. I have caught to date 12 of the critters in traps, but I hate killing them. I tried live traps to no avail, and although I have a mess of cats, they would do more damage chasing the mice on the layout. Also....any fresh ideas on how to unmouse a basement layout room? I have checked sump pump outlets and their screens are still in place. Since I have to build many more trees, I'd like to use a material that mice do not like.
Thanks,
HZ