rats and mice

[rdaviskiwi]

Hello, I am planning on starting a thru-hike in march 2012. My trail name will be "git bear", long story... I have a strange aversion to rats and mice, from childhood I think. Any one know what I can do about this. Is this a big issue on the AT in the shelters? The thought of bears, snakes etc doesnt bother me, just rats, help!!! Thanks and see yall in March. Git Bear

[Panzer1]

there's going to be hundreds, even thousands of mice...
Its going to be like the movie "Willard"

Panzer

[RWheeler]

From what I've heard, the rodents are more plentiful than the other animals you're likely to encounter.

Definitely going to want to sleep with your head away from the walls, for a starter. Might even want to work on diminishing your aversion if it's especially bad. Go to pet stores and see where your comfort zone ends - can you look at the mice/rats fine? Can you stand next to the tanks they're in? Can you reach your hand into the tank (don't have to touch them right away)? Then can you touch, and ultimately hold?

I'm from the complete opposite side than you. I've worked with mice/rats from research over the years, so I'm incredibly comfortable and even fond of them (although I know there's a stark difference between wild and handled mice). I can definitely see myself trying to pet one or pick it up on the trail and getting bitten or something...

[ChinMusic]

there's going to be hundreds, even thousands of mice...
Its going to be like the movie "Willard"

Panzer

Come on Panzer. Tell him the truth.

It's worse than that.

[Centaur]

I plan on getting, and then bringing a large python to take care of the mice. Mr. Slithers shouldn't take up too much room in my pack.

[10-K]

What's a shelter?

[Sarcasm the elf]

I plan on getting, and then bringing a large python to take care of the mice. Mr. Slithers shouldn't take up too much room in my pack.

The python's metabolism is far too low to make a meaningful dent in the population. I'd recommend you bring a herd of cats.

[WingedMonkey]

Don't know who started that "sleep with your head away from the wall" tale. The mice don't care.

[Panzer1]

the mice are classified as wildlife and thus are a protected animal.

Panzer

[4eyedbuzzard]

The python's metabolism is far too low to make a meaningful dent in the population. I'd recommend you bring a herd of cats.

He'll need a couple of Shelties or other high energy sheepdogs to herd the cats (yeah, I've actually seen it done).

[Sarcasm the elf]

He'll need a couple of Shelties or other high energy sheepdogs to herd the cats (yeah, I've actually seen it done).

Now that you mention it, could the Shelties just herd the mice?

[Lone Wolf]

Hello, I am planning on starting a thru-hike in march 2012. My trail name will be "git bear", long story... I have a strange aversion to rats and mice, from childhood I think. Any one know what I can do about this. Is this a big issue on the AT in the shelters? The thought of bears, snakes etc doesnt bother me, just rats, help!!! Thanks and see yall in March. Git Bear

carry a tent and use it. you'll have no problem. shelters truly are vermin infested

[rdaviskiwi]

Thanks for the replies, I saw a thruer with a cat he traveled with and that was the ticket. My uncle suggested a "catcrow" though it was not a bad idea... I am trying to come to terms with this issue, I am sure I will have other hikers to help me along.... Git Bear

[Panzer1]

your going to have to carry a cat. that could add another 10 pounds to your pack.

Panzer

[4eyedbuzzard]

your going to have to carry a cat. that could add another 10 pounds to your pack.

Panzer

Get one of these and it'll walk on its own and you'll have the shelters all to yourself.

[rdaviskiwi]

I am carrying a tent but don't want to be unsociable, but if its rats and social hour i may have to retire to the tent. I am very excited to be doing this thing, people at work ask how can i do without air conditioner and TV and a bath everyday. How comfortable we have become, its time to be comfortable in nature so we can get back to our true self... Git Bear.

[ChinMusic]

I am carrying a tent but don't want to be unsociable, but if its rats and social hour i may have to retire to the tent. I am very excited to be doing this thing, people at work ask how can i do without air conditioner and TV and a bath everyday. How comfortable we have become, its time to be comfortable in nature so we can get back to our true self... Git Bear.

Socializing at the shelter and then going to your tent (at a decent distance from the shelter) should keep you 99% mouse free.

[Jim Adams]

Don't know who started that "sleep with your head away from the wall" tale. The mice don't care.

No myth...the mice TEND to run along the walls instead of across the shelter thus if you sleep with your head out, they will run across your feet instead of your head. TEND is the key word here...if there is food, they will run anywhere. BTW, there are alot of reasons to sleep with your head outward instead of inward.

geek

[rdaviskiwi]

I think that sounds like a plan, I think I can make it now... Git Bear.

[Jim Adams]

The python's metabolism is far too low to make a meaningful dent in the population. I'd recommend you bring a herd of cats.

Only need 1!...trust me, IT WORKS!

geek