How to REALLY Keep Mice Out - Best Mouse & Rat Traps & Deterrent

[@MrEddiethedog]

Hey Eric I do Pest Control for a living and would like to offer my advice. You would be better off putting the bucket traps with water on the outside to cut down the rodent population in the area. If the rodents make it inside your tiny house it's too late damage can already be done to your collectibles as not all the rodents will go for the bucket. For the interior of the tiny house set up a couple snap traps in case, they breach the interior, also use dried walnuts in the traps as they don't go bad and there will be less chance of attracting ants. For the outside bucket traps, you could tape the walnuts under the lip where you are putting the peanut butter. The only way to be sure to keep them out is to rodent-proof the exterior bottom of the tiny house with 1/4 " wire you can buy it in rolls at box stores. Jack one end of the shed roll the wire under(do not go under) the shed staple what you can reach and then duck tape a hammer stapler to a broom handle to staple under the shed, and then set it back down. Or even better when they deliver to your new spot staple the wire when they have it in the air. That wire is not really expensive and if you can afford it double it up under the shed offsetting the 1/4" squares...keep up the good work...Dave

[@rouxchat6033]

Great tips!

[@orangeziggy348]

If he puts the buckets outside he will have 100 mice every day. Not fair to kill them for living in their own habitat.

[@thekatkrows]

Sounds like a lot of work.

[@MrEddiethedog]

@@thekatkrows Not really, goes pretty quick.

[@MrEddiethedog]

@@tedreid1035 Yeah it's tuff sometimes, it's called survival.

[@youngraines851]

Beautiful stone-paved walkway that Ms. Carolyn created. From our experience, we placed sonic mouse repellants (from Amz) around the house & inside as well. No ill effects (about 6 months or so of continuous usage) from our indoor furbabes. We used the plug-ins as well as the battery powered ones inside the house & garage. To date, it's been effective. Also plug all the holes with steel wool so the entries are all blocked. Rodents are also disease-carriers - so you're right about being cautious. Keeping fingers up for the black kitty to be found. With coyotes, mountain lions and the cold - poor babe needs to be urgently caught. Thanks to you & your RV neighbors for caring (we never had this from ours). Fingers crossed.

[@fleebee3639]

The bucket traps might get to be a stinky problem in the shed and trailer if your gone for a while. The rotting mice odor could also absorb into some of your items, Especially clothing and the plush collectibles that you have.

[@shibalover54]

I'd be willing to bet Kevin will help Eric out and empty them.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Good idea with the absorb.

[@RestingBitchface7]

Nope. Add slake lime to your water and mix well. No odor.

[@glenc9354]

I use antifreeze in bucket as it pickles the mice and no smell over winter

[@WhenTheManComesAround]

I use these exact traps for my 2 properties and have found a solution for that. I fill the bucket with a gallon of vinegar & a couple cups of RV antifreeze, then top it off with a bottle of mineral oil from Walmart. The vinegar pickles any mice that drop in the trap, the antifreeze makes it so it doesn't freeze in the winter & the mineral oil stops any evaporation of either the vinegar or antifreeze. With everything combined, it's an incredible automated solution.

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Eric, the ultra sonic may work but I bought a couple from Lowes and plugged them in. My Yorkshire terrier, kitty and I were all sick. I had a terrible headache for days until I thought to unplug them and the sick feeling stoped. I returned the units to Lowes. I like the bucket setup that you have. That a system I would like to try. Thanks for showing how it works. Take care.

[@jhemnes1]

I bought two of the flip lids my rats got wise to it and chewed through that top and ate the snack. I caught all mine in live traps... now THAT works. I let them go way out in the woods for owls and coyotes

[@JonnyDIY]

Dont forget to put some antifreeze in the Rat bucket for Winter 👍 I'd put some snap traps too. PS- Before you even mentioned I was admiring Carolyn wall and paver work! 💕 Wow looks beautiful 👍

[@TONYANDBRENDA1969]

Eric for years now I’ve been using a battery operated gopher spike. It vibrates and chirps. Works great! For 6 years no rodents at all!!

[@carolmaplesden916]

ding ding ding!!! this is the one I bet this will work Thank you I'm also going to use Tom Cat mint and garlic spray and a cheap led light strip 🎉🎉🎉

[@judybeatty8044]

Eric, just to let you know I live in Arizona and someone I know had property like yours and the mice got in and destroyed all of his tools. They chewed all the wiring. all of it. His saws his drills. It was really a sight. The door you showed on your shed will definitely have them come in. Just get some wire and cut it to form and drill it onto your door so they cannot get in. It won't be expensive. I know it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing but you really need to fill that Gap at your storage door. major. They are incredible creatures. Thank you for showing me the bucket. I am having a rat problem down here in Phoenix. I have never had rats since 1985 in this neighborhood but now it is a bad scene. I'm losing my mind over it

[@moburt4609]

Really like your love and respect for animals....you are super!

[@loretta2462ify]

Hello Eric Just wanted to let you know that rats & mice hate the taste and scent of mint. Use mint oil mixed with water in a spray bottle. Spray it around both the inside and outside of your rv, car & tiny house. You can also tie mint leaves in a bundle and place them in spots that mice like to hide and nest in. You can tie the bundles on to a magnet and attach them under your vehicles. There are lots of plants and herbs that will deter all types of insects, rodents and reptiles. Be safe in your travels. All the Love, Light and Blessings to you, Tara & Opie. 💜💜💜

[@thewanderingshores]

Eric, We have those exact same audible /flashing light mouse detectors. We have one underneath our travel trailer and one under the hood of the truck. they have worked fantastic for us. I highly recommend them. I've told several people about them and they've gotten them too with great success. hopefully it keeps working as well for you. We also travel with four cats and have not had any issue with the sensitivity to them.

[@julieselin5404]

Hi Eric, Opie & Tara!! It is so exciting watching everyone make improvements to their property. Love the mouse trap. Get’em! Flip and Slide right in for a refreshing swim an nap. Thank you for sharing!

[@outtherebound5259]

I've used the ultrasonic mouse/ rat detourant in 3 of my rigs for 3+ years. I had problems with them chewing my wires until this device. Not one problem since installing. I have 2 dogs & a cat that do not seem to be bothered it. My cat literally naps on my car. Lol. I definitely can vouch for this working & not harming your animals. I also do the bucket trap in my out buildings. No room for those little buggers! Good luck!

[@ceefiveceefive]

Good video Eric. Thanks for recommending the original American-made manufacturer. The cheap knock-offs do not perform as well. I have had great success with this trap. I have caught up to 10 mice per night. It really works. For those that want to keep the mice alive & release them like I do, here are some tips: Put some seeds and grass at the bottom of the bucket so that it gives the mice room to hide & something to eat. Sometimes mice will fight the other mice in there, not pretty. Do not leave in the sun during the day. It will cook them to death. Check the traps every morning. Release the mice at least 2 miles away from your home. They will come back automatically if you release them close-by. Be prepared to sometimes catch small squirrels and chipmunks. I have caught many in this trap along with the mice. Thanks again Eric for the good video!

[@carolc4173]

I do have an ultrasonic repellent that I've used in my home for years. The reason I truly believe it works is I had scratching in the ceiling (attic) so I plugged it in and immediately the scratching stopped. It's never bothered my dogs or cats.

[@Vantasticvan]

So we are not going to talk about the fact that you have a christmas tree in the camper already? We love it!

[@janetfolkerts5827]

He discussed the Christmas tree in last video...

[@dmjfamily]

Eric, just a word about mice in the Southwest. You need to be aware of Hantavirus as it is prevalent there. If you do empty those traps, wear at minimum, a N95 mask and gloves. Hantavirus is an airborne, devesting disease. If you encounter droppings in your tiny house, RV, or car, be sure you wear the same personal protective gear and spray them with a 10% bleach solution. Be aware that bleach solutions only last for about 48 hours so you can't just mix it up and keep it. There may also be commercial products you can use to spray to deactivate the virus prior to disposal of the droppings.

[@topherjoe1]

Thanks, I just bought the bucket mouse trap. Since my rats like plastic (ruined two dishwasher motor housings) I am going to cover my top with light sheet metal and put a washer over each channel where the metal rod the door pivots on sits so if it is a big critter it cannot pop the flipper off, a poster on amazon showed how he did it. I am also going to put my own ramp on it so they come down off the area they run right onto the platform. I noticed the video used to promote the bucket has the ramp go right up to the black platform. I will let you know how it works! At least it will keep me busy for a few days lol

[@kalliet1019]

Hey Eric! Can we get see more of what inside the rv is like for you? Like the Timelapse or cooking and stuff you use to do? Stay warm!

[@butterflySmiles2]

When people spend time with Kevin, all of a sudden their pets start talking. Well technically but for parents start talking for the pets. It's a Kevin thing everything looks really good and nice and I see you have a beautiful Christmas tree up already.

[@19Photographer76]

Thanks Eric, this is by far the best trap I've ever used. I have on in my shop and I'm going to place one in my bay area by the tractor as they don't have a reason to be there.

[@LauraE15]

I'm ordering one of these lids for sure. I have problems with the things getting into my feed. Thanks Eric for sharing. And the sound things won't hurt ur pets, I have some of those inside my house and I have cats & dogs. 👍

[@barbwire65]

Opie has really grown. He's a big boy. I enjoy your videos as always. Take care.

[@peg793]

I use one of those mouse noise maker in my RV engine. And have had no mice yet up to this date. I also put one on my house batteries in the RV.

[@kapekodbob]

Great mouse tips. Have had them in my *40' DP and use the old fashioned traps. I put steel wool around all openings but they must be getting in another way. 6 months this spot next to forest and will be moving tomorrow to more open area. And checkinfg for openings that need steel wool.

[@1noryb]

Is that the original tilt trap of that design shown by shawn woods?

[@BobtheTraveler-WD8NVN]

Great Video, Eric that mouse thingy-dingy is a must have for me !!

[@Sigurther]

The bucket trap is absolutely effective, but as others said, you may wish to put something in it to keep it from freezing or evaporating. Buttoning down your shed is a must - ensure any holes and gaps are filled with copper mesh and consider putting metal sheeting/tight gauge chicken wire over the bottom of it. Don't leave any kind of edible material in the shed, and remove all bird feeders outside. Anything soft should be in plastic bins as rodents will use it as bedding. Get your cardboard boxes off the floor for the same reason. If the mouse population in the area is unusually high, exterior bait stations are an option, but ensure they are either weighted or staked down - additionally, if you must use bait, look for a type that is a blood thinner - secondary poisoning is absolutely minimal, and any animal that somehow gets too much of a dose (which is unlikely to occur through consuming a rodent that ate the bait) can be treated with vitamin K. The sonic deterrents, sadly, are completely ineffective. This comes from both people in the pest control industry and several institutional/government agencies - searching google for 'do sonic pest control devices work' will bring up several results from multiple reputable sources to prove this. Anyone who's 'had success' likely either got lucky, or had some other determining factor which prevented rodent activity. Case in point, I work in a warehouse that had dozens of these - they accomplished nothing other than wasting power. Snap traps, eliminating food sources and buttoning down entry/travel points were the only thing that resolved the rodent issue. I've had limited success with animal repellent granules, which use a variety of botanicals that animals don't like the smell of, but it requires reapplication every 30 days or so.

[@MrZachzippo]

They make similar device for the home. They cover and area about the size of a typical bedroom. They are very effective initially initially, buit over time the critters get use to it. I have not noticed any impact on my dogs. On your mouse slip and slide, don't know what you put in the bucket for fluid, water works, but I've had the most luck with oil. I use cotton seed like what they use to fry turkeys, but any will work. I put in about 6 inches.

[@tdhawk167]

Speaking to the trap- those of us allergic to nuts/peanuts... chocolate sauce (even tho chocolate is poison to them, they love it) or jelly/jam works to bait any traps. If efforts to repel them to keep them away doesn't work, sometimes the only thing you can do is to trap them.

[@richardbottslotsandmore5696]

Ive used the walk the plank trap..and it works great..It's very similar to yours..Great videos sir..Happy travels..

[@maryelmaguire3161]

On the blue tiny house you might want to put some weather stripping on the door where the gap is. Also it will help keep some of the sand and dirt from getting in with the wind and snow

[@VETUSAF1]

You got two of the best mouse catchers with you 24/7.

[@Bobby-W.]

I have a flip-n-slide outside of my rig also. They are awesome and definitely work very well. Thanks for another great video Eric.

[@GoldenTrumpet24]

I got the same trap. Had it for a few weeks. Works really good.

[@mylibertyvan5650]

I love the mouse bucket you shared. When I come out to Az in the spring, I might be using it. Thanks!

[@3generations393]

Aww. I hope the kitty gets found and returned to the owner. Good luck with the mice-I am concerned about them this year as well. I don't think leaving your hood open through rain/wind or snow is a good idea either. The bucket-gross-but better than poison for sure. Thanks Eric ❣️

[@tacoma_jon]

Stay warm Eric. It’s even chilly down here in the valley at night.

[@alanhester9984]

I have a house in rural AZ desert and found the mice are easy to get rid of but the pack rats are another story as the pack rats do all the damage to wiring. Many people said to put a light under the hood of my car to keep them out, so I put a light under the hood and left for a month only to come home to find the pack rats got up in my engine bay and ate the 120 volt cord off the light. After that I bought some containers you put that green square bar bait in that other animals can't get in to poison them, I went through about 40 lbs of bait before they thinned out and I stopped having the problem. Also bought regular rat traps and put peanut butter on and some nights would kill up to 4 pack rats. It took months but went about a year before they started to show up again. So baited the traps and more bar bait but only cough one once in a while which was manageable.

[@thoerner2]

I had two of those frequency mouse repellers in my camper when I first got it, a week later I caught 7 mice in my camper. I’m saying they don’t work. Might be different for the automobile ones.

[@MKB31]

It's amazing how the woof pack has taught your cats to talk.

[@katesinclair2645]

Hey Eric, my neighbor used something similar to keep moles out of his lawn and it worked well. I don't think it bothered dogs walking by as they still managed to make a pit stop on his lawn occasionally. It was solar powered. I think he got at Lowe's or Home Depot, but I have seen them on Amazon also.

[@christinetaylor5726]

I think the bucket idea is great. I'm ordering one for my work place now. The mice/rats get into the stock in the backroom.

[@vantelontheroad1750]

I have been using the 110 v version for years. We have an extension cord to our Rv engine compartment and have had no problems. I had a couple if dogs for years with no problem. We have lived in Arizona for 4.5 years.

[@bgwwsea]

Hi Eric watched you for quite a few years. We use the electronic mouse detourers. They work very well. Use them for a long time in our log cabin with a crawlspace. So they always find ways in because they can flatten their bodies to get in very small holes. We also find them in our horse water bucket drown. Chickens will catch them and eat them! Take care love your video's. Bobbi

[@carolyngossett3241]

Your fur babies are adorable. Hope the black cat is found. Enjoy your new home.

[@kradwonders]

You could mount a pull down screen and use a projection in place of a ridge TV.

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hey Eric good job on the mouse traps We just use the sticky disposable traps and they work great

[@tinlizzy39]

Hey! Kevin needs a nice bench under that tree where the kitty catcher is! Great place to just have solitude....Great video! Thanks for the mouse tips! Just what my daughter needs for her basement and us for our travel trailer!!! Safe travels and say "Hey" to everyone! 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐱 🐱Been following for years but probably haven't commented in several! 💜

[@Danamount]

Thanks for double selfie Eric! I hope I get to see the kitties at some point. I hope ya get a good spot here at some point!👍

[@williamsuttle3645]

I have something similar in my travel trailer, my cat doesn't seem to be bothered with it at all. Also,, the only time I had a mouse in the trailer, was when it was real cold and windy,, and I had unplugged the thing to do laundry and forgot to plug it back in (three days).Let us know how those work, because I need one for my truck.

[@sjr7822]

I got the best cat, she has kept all mice, squirrels, and chipmunks off the property. Also sweet sickening perfume sprayed on the truck engine, and I have homemade buckets like you have, small, dollar tree store buckets, 1.25 for mice, and the big buckets left over from the sheetrock mud, for big rodents, Also had scrap metal rods and the 1/2" PVC pipe, left over from plumbing, to put over the rods, And, the PB on the PVC pipe as you suggest to entice the rodents, So my expense is 1.25 per~ for a new Dollar Tree bucket and a jar of PB for the winter catch, In the winter have to check for ice freeze! I have not been able to catch chipmunks, but the new resident cat takes care of that problem.

[@nooksandcrannies9871]

I haven’t watched the video yet, but I’m going to say to anyone reading. DO NOT USE POISON. my neighbors used poison and my cat got ahold of a mice laced with the poison. Unfortunately it killed my cat. I miss that girl.

[@CaravanCarolyn]

😢

[@darrenoconnell9716]

Oh. I'm so sorry 😞

[@youngraines851]

Agree - our neighbors are found of doing & killed a next door neighbor's kitty. Our cats, if out in front, are always supervised. Back is enclosed. Thank you for highlighting this.

[@DATAPRINCESS]

It kills raptors who catch the rodent before it dies of the poison. Condolences as to your loss :(

[@Berrypancakes229]

I’ll use the poison , since I don’t have animals

[@arlenelaw5645]

Thank you Eric for having a big heart♥️

[@NevadaFarms]

Eric I’m just wondering how that noise machine will it bother the kitties? I’d watch for vomiting etc. but then as I’m watching the video your addressing the concerns so I have no idea if it will bother them or not. If you yourself develop migraines like your not used to it could be the device.

[@treysuniverserv1576]

Great to see you so happy. Hope to take you to lunch this winter when our paths cross!

[@christinecortese9973]

Bucket trap looks perfect! Gonna order one.

[@keithausderauii201]

I have that ultra sonic pest repellant device and I love it. I have had chipmunks eating wires in my car several times and I put that in and haven't had an issue in over a year. Best device I have purchased. I have them in all my cars now.

[@sandras1524]

Not sure if it's an equal comparison, but we have sonic devices staked in our yard to keep the moles away. They're the only thing rhat works. They hate the sound. Also, they don't seem to bother my pets.

[@rumbletweed]

We had a mouse problem in our townhouse. I installed one of those ultrasonic units made for home use in an outlet on each level of the home and no more mouse problems. I know the effectiveness of those type of things is controversial, but I do believe it worked for me. Our cats and dog don't seem to notice it.

[@paulbright7635]

The most destructive rodents in the world that destroys everything is called humans 😂

[@mikelebonner970]

I hope the kitty is found soon. You probably know this, but that crack in the door of the blue house will let in blowing snow. I'd put extra weather stripping up to keep it out. Stay warm.

[@1noryb]

My daughter has a black cat that survived a couple of years in the sierra nevada foothills at about 4000 ft elevation. Survived the snow, wild turkeys, black bears, mountain lion, and a feral feline. She is still with us today!

[@pgrayson3138]

We live in the country and occasionally we would have mice in the house. I put the ultrasonic devices in each room and no more mice. We have 3 cats and they have never complained. 😊

[@annanne3929]

I have a similar product that plugs into home wall outlets. It's supposed to deter rodents. I have not had a problem, but neighbors on both sides have. I also have a pet(dog) and it does not seem to bother. The ones that plug into an outlet suppose to cover a room ~600 sqft. An outlet one may also cover the engine bay plus the living part, thus you wouldn't have to worry about a dead battery.

[@rlucerin28]

Wouldn't you install that gadget near the firewall area where all the wires are routed into the dash?

[@joeharker]

love the opening cartoon man!

[@michaellawrence5492]

Find out two things what is the actual frequency it creates and also decibels produced "loudness" . From there you can look it up for the cats their hearing range expected.

[@davidstewart125]

Eric, I was at a dealership is phoenix and they were selling a device called rat rid which does what your unit would do except they had 12 unit and a unit that ran off 2 aa batteries. I think Amazon has then fyi

[@rvboondocker2559]

Love the bucket invention! I do use the ultrasonic devices and have not had mice issues. They are inexpensive and worth the try.

[@kristylynn1329]

Thanks Eric for another very helpful video! I’m definitely going to get a Flip N Slide! So clever 🤔

[@robertcourser24]

I had like 4- 5 of them plugged into my walls I have a cat and a dog and didn't bother them at all bro keep up the good videos

[@bt4b4]

Love the more frequent videos ! Peacefrom510.

[@supposedly1-2]

I'm excited to find out if the sonic ones worked as i too have worried about my cats and what effect it might have on them. please keep us updated over time as well. i could totally use those for mice and bugs as i live out in the woods.

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Thank you for another awesome video Eric

[@thirtynine3955]

I had a couple of those ultrasonic things in my garage area. Never seemed to bother my pups. Good luck on finding that kitty.

[@kelvindemond4291]

My dad and a similar one for pest, etc inside the house. Never had a problem with it along there pets did find. Did it work? I don't know. They have both passed

[@staroceans8677]

I like that bucket idea, tthink it's a good idea as I worry about that with my RV engine as well. Eric you're one of the most Humane and caring people so I would never judge you on any of the things you do with regards to Pest Control. I certainly hope that black Kitty is found, in my opinion I'd worry more about Coyotes. Sad the kitty didn't venture further in where you could catch it when you first heard it. Be well, safe travels and look forward to your next video!

[@laurajphillips]

That bucket is amazing!

[@KerryBBalcom]

I’ve been told several times that when you release the mice or rats back into the wild, you must travel at least 4 miles from where you caught them as any closer they will return

[@steveseattle140]

That mickey insert actually made me lol! Good job

[@dennisd6976]

I put rv antifreeze in the bucket for winter, it will not freeze.

[@jonesbluesandjam]

Very Good see you on the next one.

[@stevenvelie1018]

How’s the snow nomadic ?

[@vikkidimattia9980]

I installed one in my car after shelling $800 in repairs over 2 under-hood mouse incidents. It's been 2 years and I haven't had any mice since installing. I give it a thumbs up. Don't know if pets will be effected.

[@darrylruple4564]

Love that style trap

[@Blue_Mudder]

Heard good things about those style of traps! I've only seen the "walk the plank" style, but yours seems better. Also, with the sonic rat deterrent, Shawn Woods has a rodent channel and he tested a few. Says they initially work, but then the mice get used to the noise and aren't scared of it anymore. Best of luck with yours tho!

[@tomrut3653]

Back in the 70’s we had a cabin with mice in the winter, I set up a coffee can and used a paper towel tube for the ramp, no trap door, they just walked up and went swimming.

[@PAPATexas]

Yea I bought one!

[@michaelpeters8615]

Cool video! Lot of interesting info😁

[@40belowful]

I like the bucket trap :) they should rename it slip and death slide :)

[@annamaybeekman5152]

GLAD TO SEE YOU ERIC

[@Agent-jj4cc]

Living in the valley in AZ I too love when the cold weather starts just so I can wear jeans and long sleeves again! I grew up in upstate NY. I miss that cold weaather.. "sweata weatha" 😁

[@christopherneil988]

I did not know you had a house in Carbondale? That is in Southern Illinois where i partied a lot when i was younger! I thought you where in Alton where i worked on the riverboats. Good trap!

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

Shawn Woods YT channel! That dude is a master at rats / mice! Real deal! Also this is the reason you put a building on a proper foundation.

[@nomadicfanatic]

He knows his stuff! I purchased Rinne Trap because of him.

[@salty6pence672]

Your method is far better than mine, Baking soda and cornmeal 1/1 mix, they cant burp or fart so they pop. They run off and die somewhere.

[@jenthegirlsauntie8607]

We have mice emitters similar to yours, ours are batteries options. We use them at camp. Mice used to be a big problem for us. The emitters work great for us along with peppermint oil. Mice and spiders hate peppermint. Fingers crossed they work well for you too. Oh also our family have dogs and the emitters don’t seem to bother our pets.

[@glamperjan]

He's fine it won't hurt him. I used one on my front porch for years and my little dog never bothered it or was bothered by it.

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

fun times on the flip and slide.

[@sylviagonzalez3375]

Thoae pest control sonar gizmos may not work. They do work on wasps and bees.