Finding and Removing a Baby Mouse Brought in by Your Cat
Dealing with a situation where a baby mouse has been brought in by your cat can be quite stressful. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to locate and safely remove the mouse from your home.
Stay Calm
First and foremost, try not to panic. The baby mouse is likely frightened and hiding. Being patient can increase your chances of catching it without causing further stress to the young animal.
Create a Safe Environment
To limit the mouse's movement, close doors to other rooms and turn off any loud noises from TVs or music. Creating a quieter environment can make the mouse more likely to come out of hiding.
Set Up a Trap
Place a humane trap near the last seen location of the mouse. Use bait like peanut butter or seeds to lure it inside the trap. This is one of the most effective methods, especially when combined with other steps.
Use Food as Bait
Leave a small amount of food like seeds or breadcrumbs near the exit points under the bed. This might encourage the mouse to venture out in search of food.
Monitor the Area
Keep an eye on the area without being intrusive. Check frequently to see if the mouse emerges from its hiding place. Persistence is key in these small encounters.
Wait
Consider Professional Help
If you’re unable to locate the mouse after a few days, consider contacting a pest control professional who can help safely remove it. These experts have the knowledge and tools to deal with pest issues effectively.
Prevent Future Incidents
Once the mouse is safely removed, consider ways to prevent your cat from bringing in more wildlife. Keeping your cat indoors or providing engaging toys can be effective solutions.
Patience and a calm approach are crucial during this process. With the right strategy, you can handle the situation without causing undue stress to the mouse or yourself.
Additional Tips from Patricia Jennings
Patricia Jennings is a noted authority on pest control and offers valuable insights. If all else fails, she suggests turning the sofa upside down and poking around amongst the springs to find the hiding mouse. Another tip is to keep your dog out of the room and use food as a lure to coax the mouse out.
For rats that may be afraid of your dog, Patricia recommends keeping the dog out of the room while you set up a safe environment with the rat’s favorite food. Sit quietly and wait for the rat to approach. If you are both accustomed to the rat, you can gently pick it up and place it back in its cage. If the rat is not cooperative, a regular animal trap triggered by the rat’s weight can be used.