The pitter-patter of little feet

Forecasters predict the rainiest July in Virginia's recorded history. This past Sunday, I took advantage of a break in the weather by setting out on a power walk. Leonard stayed behind to take the weight set out of Kong's basement (under-carriage storage compartment) for his own workout. Wet or dry, it promised to be another good day.

Exhibit A in the case against Mickey

(or Minnie)

Upon my return, I found Leonard peering intently into the
basement and holding a nearly-new roll of paper towels kept there for the odd outdoor cleanup chore. Its outer sheets had been partly shredded, from the looks of it by something that knew how to use its tiny teeth with gusto. It could mean only one thing. Mice!

This was inevitable. After all, we share the forest with numerous other creatures great and small. It was just a matter of time before something made its way up a water line, electrical connection or some other grounded contact into our living space in search of food and shelter.

Deer mice are common in this part of Virginia. They carry diseases

like Hantavirus and are not to be messed with!

Obviously, we do not want rodents in the rig. Besides carrying disease, mice love to chew and can make short work of anything that might serve as building material for a warm, soft bed. They really love electrical insulation. The damage to an RV can run into the thousands of dollars if a rodent infestation goes unchecked.

Leonard made his discovery probably not more than a day or two after the invasion began, thus greatly improving our odds for preventing harm to any of Kong's critical systems. We have taken up the dual challenges of getting rid of any mice already residing in the rig and discouraging new immigration with great enthusiasm. So, Mickey and Minnie, you stand warned. It's game on!

Getting rid of rodents isn't rocket science. It is, however, an ugly business, one I don't undertake lightly. I took my last bite of dead animal nearly 40 years ago, and while the Western world hasn't considered mice food since Emperor Nero fiddled at that famous Roman barbeque, the thought of killing one, even for what are arguably valid reasons, still bothers me. I wanted to find the quickest, least cruel way of accomplishing the deed. After a bit of research, we headed to the local general store to purchase a handful of Victor spring-loaded traps.

Mice love peanut butter (and who

doesn't?) This trap's ready to spring

into action!

For the uninitiated, these traps work by luring unsuspecting prey with bait then quickly and forcefully snapping shut on the neck of whatever had the misfortune to trip the tension-loaded wire as it nibbled the tasty morsel set out for its dining pleasure.

I prefer this method to poison, which works by slowly desiccating the animal from the inside out. In addition to being more cruel than the spring trap, it leaves open the possibility that the victim will die within a hard-to-reach confine of the home. It takes weeks for the odor of decaying mouse flesh to dissipate, and I'm telling you, you have not lived until you have caught a whiff of rotting rodent corpse!
 

The spaces above a hitch pin make great hiding places for

various other critters, including snakes and birds.

Besides eradication, it is also important to stop further immigration. To that end, Leonard has begun identifying every possible point of entry and blocking those with either steel wool or spray foam insulation. It turns out mice have yet to develop a taste for either, so these materials make good barriers when applied appropriately.

We've already trapped two mice and are waiting to see how many others appear. Oh, if only Leonard weren't allergic to cats....





[Here are a few photos from this week's wanderings around the Mt. Rogers area.]

Lumber was once a major industry in Virginia. By the 1950's, most of the region's trees had been harvested. Today, thanks in large part to the efforts of the U.S. Forest Service, the woodlands have been restored. Christmas tree farms like this dot the landscape and help support the local economy.

 

Thanks to an abundance of rain this spring and summer, coral fungus is thriving in the woods around Mt. Rogers.

This small stream runs through Grindstone Campground. Most mornings, the loudest sound you will hear is the water running over these rocks.

The "Whispering Waters" (above) feed this manmade pool. Campers are invited to wade in the shallow, cool water.