Dormice can quickly turn an attic into a real nightmare. Their nests, droppings, and nocturnal noises disrupt sleep and can even damage the materials of your home. To get rid of these pests, it is essential to understand their habits and adopt effective trapping methods.
Identifying Dormice and Their Habits
Before embarking on a trapping plan, it is crucial to confirm that the rodents in your attic are indeed dormice. You can easily identify them by their medium size (about 15 cm), their grey-brown fur, their bushy tail, and their ability to climb. Their droppings resemble small black seeds, easy to distinguish from rat droppings.
Understanding Dormouse Behavior
- Dormice are nocturnal animals, very active at night and at dusk. They are rarely seen in broad daylight.
- They are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including dried fruits, seeds, insects, eggs, and small animals.
- They move by climbing, jumping, and running, using walls and beams to move around in attics.
- They build nests in warm and isolated places in the attic, using fabric, paper, and wood to arrange them.
Identifying Signs of Their Presence
The presence of dormice in your attic can be deduced from several telltale signs:
- Black seed-shaped droppings, present in large numbers.
- Scratch marks on beams and walls, indicating their movements.
- Noises of scratching and running at night, particularly audible in the silence.
- Nests built with various materials, sometimes visible in the corners of the attic.
- A particular ammonia smell, coming from their droppings.
Effective Trapping Methods
Once you have confirmed the presence of dormice in your attic, it is time to choose a trapping method suitable for your situation. Here are three main options:
Cage Traps
Cage traps are an effective and humane solution for capturing dormice. They allow you to capture them alive and release them in a safe place, away from your home, thus minimizing potential damage and respecting animal welfare.
Choice and Installation
Choose a cage trap designed specifically for dormice, of a size adapted to their build (about 25 cm long). Metal cages are more durable and resistant to chewing. Place the trap in a strategic location where dormice are active, using an effective bait. It is important to install the trap in a stable place to avoid any accidents.
Effective Baits
- Dried fruits: walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, raisins, known to attract dormice.
- Seeds: sunflower, millet, corn, easily accessible and appreciated by dormice.
- Peanut butter: apply it on a piece of wood or cardboard for an irresistible bait. Peanut butter is a very effective and appreciated option by dormice.
Precautions for Use
It is essential to check the cage traps regularly, at least once a day, so as not to leave the animals locked up for too long. Release the captured dormice in a safe place, away from your home and rich in food resources. Wear gloves when handling cages to avoid bites and use tools to move the traps.
Glue Traps
Glue traps are a simple and inexpensive solution for capturing dormice. They are composed of an adhesive surface that retains the animals. However, this method is less humane and can cause suffering to dormice.
Usage Tips
Place the glue trap in a strategic location, along a wall or beam, using bait. The sticky surface must be clean and dry for better adhesion. Make sure the trap is stable and cannot move. Handling glue traps should be done carefully to avoid getting your fingers stuck.
Precautions for Use
The use of glue traps is discouraged for ethical reasons. Dormice can struggle and injure themselves trying to break free. In addition, glue can cause skin irritation and can be dangerous for pets.
Snap Traps
Snap traps are mechanical devices that capture dormice by killing them. This method is not recommended because it is cruel and ineffective for controlling a dormouse infestation. It does not solve the problem sustainably and does not respect animal welfare.
Usage Tips
Snap traps should not be used for ethical reasons. They are not effective in solving the problem sustainably and can cause serious injuries to dormice.
Precautions for Use
The use of snap traps is prohibited in some countries and is strongly discouraged. Snap traps can pose a danger to children and pets.
Complementary Techniques
In addition to trapping methods, it is important to take preventive measures to prevent dormice from accessing your attic and to reduce their attraction to your home.
Block Access Points
Thoroughly inspect your attic for all potential access points for dormice. Block holes and cracks with mortar, expanding foam, or wire mesh. Also, check ventilation ducts and chimneys to make sure they are properly protected.
Clean the Attic
Keep your attic clean and uncluttered. Eliminate all potential food sources for dormice, such as dried fruits, seeds, food scraps, and organic waste. Regularly clean up dormouse droppings and nests to reduce their attractiveness to your attic. Attic hygiene is a key factor in deterring dormice.
Use of Natural Repellents
Some aromatic plants and essential oils can have a repellent effect on dormice. Peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, and rosemary are examples of natural elements that can deter dormice from settling in your attic. Place sachets of aromatic plants or essential oil diffusers in different places in the attic. It is important to renew the sachets and oils regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Before using natural repellents, it is important to ensure that the products used are non-toxic to humans and pets. Do not use chemicals or insecticides that could harm the health of dormice or the environment.
Capturing and eliminating dormice in your attic requires patience and perseverance. By following the advice in this guide, you can implement an effective and responsible trapping plan to protect your home and your family. Remember that priority should be given to humane and sustainable methods, in order to minimize damage to the environment and animals.