Problems with Rodent Control
Mice and rats live alongside us in great numbers, so much so that there are entire companies dedicated to eradicating them. Unfortunately, the methods used to kill rodents do not end with them. They often effect far more species and cause far more issues than we immediately realize.
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Poison
Poisons are used widely in rodent control. You can see poison bait boxes outside of almost every restaurant and grocery store. They're also available to buy over the counter at many stores. Not only do poisons cause slow, painful deaths for rodents, but those sick and dying rodents become easy prey for a variety of predators and even pets. The poisons then effect that animal and cause them to become sick and die. Poisons have even been linked to causing mange.
Glue Traps
Glue traps are a popular alternative to snap type traps even though they cause immense pain, suffering, and fear to the animals that become stuck on them. Many animals other than mice and rats become entrapped in these cruel devices and suffer slow deaths. Non-target animals often die or sustain severe trauma when being removed from these traps. Even if successfully removed, some animals still require months of rehabilitation.
Outdoor Cats
Many people will allow cats to roam freely outdoors in the hope of preventing rodents from entering their homes. Unfortunately, cats kill far more animals than just mice and rats. It is estimated that outdoor cats kill 2.4 billion birds in the United States each year and are responsible for the extinction of 33 species worldwide. Outdoor cats are also susceptible to predation, car strikes, and more.
Humane Rodent Control
Rodents are attracted to our homes because of the availability of food and shelter. Pet food, bird seed, trash, flowers, and more all provide food for rodents and small spaces between the siding in our homes can become shelter for them. Reducing access to these is the first step in reducing the amount of rodents. We personally had issues with mice in the outdoor space for our wolfdogs and resolved the issue by not feeding at night and sweeping up any spilled food right away. We also found an access point in our siding by watching the dogs and cats and were able to close these. After these changes we no longer have significant rodent populations and only have the occasional field mouse in the flower beds.
Using non toxic deterrents such as cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil can naturally deter mice and other animals considered as pests. Be sure to refresh the oil frequently and use them for several weeks or until you feel the mice are gone. If you locate a burrow in the ground you can also place used cat litter near and in the hole as mice do not want to feel like they are close to predators. If they are entering spaces between the siding and home you should first ensure that all of the mice are out and then close access with a quick drying concrete or 1/4 inch wire mesh.
Capturing and relocating mice using various methods of live trapping can be done, but be aware that mice may have young in a nest and removing the adults will result in them dying. It is best to encourage them to move away on their own as they will move their young to a new site. Be aware that mice are extremely delicate and may even die in a live trap.