Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
How did the mice survive without water?
The hot and cold water pipes for the kitchen passed from one side of the house to the
other through the ceiling cavity. The only explanation for their water supply was that they
were most likely getting the little bit of condensation off the cold water pipes in the
ceiling. This small water supply would have no doubt controlled the population, however
it appears to have been more than sufficient for the support of the resident mice.
The mice's healthy eating kept them alive
We contacted our pest controller and decided that it would be necessary to lay baits for
these fury little fellows. We cut five holes in the upstairs floor, being careful not to lose the
pieces of floor removed as they would be needed later on to patch the floor. Baits were
placed in the ceiling cavity and the waiting game began. Another three weeks passed and
there didn't seem to be any change. The mice were not interested in our baits, no matter
what type we put in. We had not understood that mice are health freaks, choosing only
the supply of wholegrain wheat rather than food with all kinds of additives. Maybe there
is a lesson to be learnt from them.
A green drink brought the demise of the mice
We knew that there was a shortage of liquid in their living environment and deduced that
if we could acquire liquid bait they would be more likely to take that. We again contacted
the pest controller who was able to acquire a liquid bait which when diluted with water
had a strange resemblance to green cordial. It was only a couple of days after laying the
liquid bait that there was serious evidence that the mice had consumed this lovely green
cordial. This was not a time for warm cosy rooms, for to close the windows intensified
the evidence of their demise. Fortunately they are only little, so the smell only lasted a
few days. A few days that we will never forget!
