I don't think I had them last winter. But then I got some this summer. That was worrisome. If it isn't even winter yet and they are here, what will happen when it gets cold? Well, I got rid of a few, thought they were gone. But they were just out gathering all their friends and relatives. Now there are lots of them.
I can't kill anything. I just want them to not be in my house. I use a live catcher and release them outside. I used to drive a mile and release them to the edge of a canyon. It got to be too much trouble, plus I am pretty sure the people living close to the release spot did not appreciate it.
My best catcher is no longer working as well. Don't know if the device itself is wearing out, or they have warped it trying to get out, or if I am catching the same ones over and over, and now they know how things work. Lately one that didn't work well for me before is catching a lot. Its a single catch, with fewer air holes than the others, but I am using it, and happy each time I catch another.
Unless its a baby. I hate catching the tiny babies. They are actually kind of cute, with their tiny noses and tiny hands. They just look at you or start washing their little faces. I don't know how old they have to be to survive outside alone. But when its nighttime, I worry that even if they are old enough for daytime temps, will they freeze at night? But I am afraid to wait until morning to release them, so I send them out, wish them good luck.
Last time I had them bad, they were going after the cat food. It was bad before I realized, then trying to tell the cat she had 2 minutes to eat it all before I put it away did not go over well. This time they have been eating bunny hay. The bunnies kind of need it to munch on all day.
Since I realized they were back I have been keeping a lot of things in big plastic bins. My lunch bag is in the dryer, my purse is in a bin. I am late for work more now, trying to get everything together at the last minute.
Could they just leave now that I am leaving less good stuff for them to get at? Oh, no. They are eating my scented candles, and potpourri now.
I kinda thought a new garage door might keep them out because it would fit much closer than the old wooden one. But coughing up the $600. or so it would cost would probably not totally solve the problem. It might well not be the only way they get in. Obviously I don't know all the ways they get in, or hopefully I could get them fixed. But I am starting to think there may be holes in the house under the siding. I guess I would see any that open right into a room, but if its under the bath tub or in the garage, I would not. Plus new siding, and all that should be done if I ever get that done....new windows, doors, upgrade the electric, plumbing, etc. Is way out of my range now. This is where having a handy partner would be wonderful. Free labor, do a little at a time as I can afford it. But the hire someone to do it all at once thing, I can't see that ever happening.
So I have mice. Its an embarrassing dirty secret. I feel gross, and disgusting. I am not much of a cook anyway, but I keep getting flack from people at work that I am not doing more cooking, bringing homemade stuff to pot lucks, or baking deserts, etc. They don't want anything from my kitchen, really. But I am not about to tell them the mouse part of why not. Just feeding my self is harder than usual. Wipe up the counter, wipe every thing I use off, and never turn my back for a second. Yeah right.
I think I am gaining on them, but not sure. Maybe they will keep coming right back in and bringing friends with them. I know they are cold and hungry, but now at least, there is a lot more good stuff to eat outside than there is inside. .
It will be almost 4 months before its warn enough they hopefully will prefer outside, if ever.
Go away mousies...Please!
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