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I Am Wimp - Mouse problem!

BillyBongyBillyBongy Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Firstly, I am happy to admit to being a wimp when it comes to small animals that move fast!  

We have a large garden storage box on our patio, which we keep small gardening tools and other bits and pieces in.  Stupidly we put a big bag of bird seed in there a few months ago.

When opening the top of the box the other day, I saw a mouse running around under the tools at the bottom. I yelped, dropped the lid and moved away quick!

We didn't know what to do, but we were wary of the mouse coming into the house - so we moved the box down the garden.  But obviously the mouse is still in the box.  We would like to get all the stuff out, but we are a bit scared of being attacked by a killer mouse :o:D

What's the best way to encourage him out, and keep him out?  Don't mind him so much in the garden, just not in the storage box that we want to use!  Obviously there might be more than one.... :o


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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If he has a food supply he'll be quite happy.  :)
    If you put some food in a bird feeder it can access, it'll be fine. Bring the bird food indoors for a while first. 
    I also keep mine out in one of those boxes. Mousy [and his mates] live in the garden, and he can access the bird food in my 'cages'. Has never come near the house  :)

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BillyBongyBillyBongy Posts: 4
    The storage box is now down by the bird feeders, but he probably won't bother with them as he has his own supply in the box, and I am too much of a wimp to put my hand in and get it out - he has bitten through the bag and it's all fallen into a bucket, and who knows what else is in there  :o  
    I've just noticed a neighbours cat in the garden, taking a lot of interest in the storage box....maybe I should open the storage box and let nature take it's course! Seems a bit mean though  :/
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Cats cause enough trouble IMO without inviting them in  :/

    It's only a field mouse. Not Godzilla.  Remove the bag of bird food and all the other stuff.
    Turn the box upside down, and put it against a wall or fence, or even better - a border with shrubs. He'll find his way out. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    If there is someone in the house who is slightly less wimpy, if you don't want to actually kill the little furry creature you can buy humane mouse traps like this one 
    https://www.diydirect.com/pest-stop-trip-trap-humane-mouse-trap?
    gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsuPV-Oqp6QIV6YBQBh2FIg4WEAQYAyABEgLgUfD_BwE
    Surprisingly chocolate seems to do the trick, but some bird food might also be successful by the sound of it.
    It can then be released , at least quarter of a mile away to prevent a return. 
  • BillyBongyBillyBongy Posts: 4
    "It's only a field mouse. Not Godzilla"  I know Fairygirl: my fear is totally irrational - but try telling my brain that.....!

    Anni D - unfortunately there isn't anyone less wimpy in the house.

    I'm going to have to put my big girl pants on, and wellies and thick gardening gloves on to go and tackle this, I can see!  

    We've never had this problem before because our old neighbours had cats who used to patrol our garden.  But they moved a while ago.
  • mrtjformanmrtjforman Posts: 331
    I'm pretty sure I've had less slugs this year due to my visitors, field mice never come into houses and they are really cute. But yes they are fast and will nip if they think they are being cornered.
    If he managed to get in, I'm sure he will find a way to get out unless it really is comletely sealed in which case he would starve which would be a bit unfair so the best thing would be would be to take the tools out, then tilt it on its side, leave one night and clean up the mess the next day when everyone is safe and sound back in their home.



  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    I deal with a few released mice. The best technique for me is to throw a towel over the offending article, scoop it up, and take it outside. After dealing with the cat I then return for the mouse.
    Rutland, England
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    You think you've got a problem - we have a rat! He doesn't want to eat his poison either.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
    What about a neighbour?  Tell them the problem and see if its something they aren't bothered by, then pop a bottle of wine on their doorstep as a thank you!
  • BillyBongyBillyBongy Posts: 4
    Thanks for all the responses!  The mouse can get in an out, and with a storage box with lots of bird seed in, I don't think he will starve!
    I'm going to be brave and empty some of the stuff out and then tip it on it's side and let him come out.  Once he's gone, I can tape up the handle holes (where he gets in and out) and move the birdfood and hopefully he won't be able to get in again - he can find another home!
    I know they are more scared of me than I am of them (if that's possible, lol!) but it's still hard to stick your hand in a storage box to get stuff out if he is going to jump up and BITE ME!!


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