Relocation,
Relocation, Relocation
Around this
time of year crops are harvested and meadows are cut. For those former residents
of arable fields and grasslands who have been lucky enough to escape the
whirling blades it is time to move home.
It is not
unusual therefore, during early Autumn, for mini invasions of resourceful little
rodents to relocate into more human habitats - the Hanson Centre Building has
proved no exception.
Staff first
noticed the tiny calling cards of our new visitors a few weeks ago and as much
as they enjoy being close to nature there are of course limits. One thing was
sure however, if at all possible, the removal process should be painless for
all concerned.
Having had a
modicum of success using the Longworth traps (a humane trap for catching and
releasing small mammals unharmed) earlier this year, I volunteered to help.
Over the
course of a week I set traps at various points around the centre building each
evening and checked them first thing the next morning. Bait was a combination
of bird seed and a fresh piece of apple to ensure there was a supply of
moisture readily available.
Anyone seen Kirsty and Phil?
Over the week
I caught 7 wood mice all of which were taken a good way from the Centre before
being released into the wild. I am pleased to report all appeared very healthy
and full of beans (well seed I suppose) when released.
I carried on
trapping until I had a completely blank couple of nights which suggested that
for now evictions are complete - although I am sure we may need to periodically
repeat the exercise.
Trappatoni
