Mink problem

[Santa]

My lover has a cottage on an island.
Minks have manged to swim over to it in the recent years
they dig holes into the underboards of the little cottage and bring their fish there.
In the summer when we go there to chill, it stinks of fish.
Her father has hired some pros to pullup all the floorboards & close all the holes.(rhis costs alot of money)
They desire to exterminate all the minks on the island.

I agree the smell is terrible.
The damage they do to the cottage is bad.
but they are not pests, and im certain if you exterminate them , they are sure to come back at some point.

Making fur coats is not cool nowadays but maybe one of you have experience in these matters and have a solution which does not require extermination?
are they now not part of the ecosystem?

please advize

http://www.christinevadai.com/MINK.jpg

[manker]

Keep plugging the holes that they make and use plenty of air freshener.

People will say 'If it was a rat problem, you'd exterminate them without a second thought'. I disagree.

But then, I'm a bleeding heart liberal :dabs:

[JPaul]

Kill them.

Eat the meat.

Sell the pelts.

Killing animals is cool, so long as it's for food and clothing and not just for fun.

[Santa]

remember i could easily spend an hour on google actually finding info on Mink behaviour, but instead i put my trust in you to find a realistic solution.

@manks - this has been the unfruitfull mthod of the last few years.

I have considered making cage traps to catch them and them bring them to the mainland (or sell for prostitution)
also considered making a divert cottage so they put all their catches there instead

please advize l33t hunters and zoolologists

[Santa]

Kill them.

Eat the meat.

Sell the pelts.

Killing animals is cool, so long as it's for food and clothing and not just for fun.
you want this?

http://www.caft.org.uk/images/pics/skin%20mink%20best.jpg

[JPaul]

Use a mink trap http://www.trapman.co.uk/live-catch-humane-mink-trap.htm

[JPaul]

Kill them.

Eat the meat.

Sell the pelts.

Killing animals is cool, so long as it's for food and clothing and not just for fun.
you want this?

http://www.caft.org.uk/images/pics/skin%20mink%20best.jpg
Please, but I'd need a few to make a decent meal out of it.

[manker]

That's a bit of a harsh photo for the hard of keeping crisps down.

[Santa]

@Jpaul - thanks for the cage will look for detailed how to make versions

@manker - harsh it is hence this thread

[crysmileyguy!]

ha ha

[Virtualbody1234]

Eliminate the problem. Eliminate the "guests".

That's 100% and lover. Are they now not part of the ecosystem?

[Santa]

true true VB - i will now proced to Trap the summer guests, lurring them with lottery tickets to Benidorm

HOW TO TRAP A MINK

There are many ways to trap a mink. The best trap
to use will depend on where you plan on trapping and
which design you are comfortable using. Traps fall
into two categories or trap designs. The first type,
live trapping, can be done with an LT7824 LIVE TRAP (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2076.html).
Since mink are wary of anything new to their environment,
it will really help if you either hide or partially
bury the trap when making a set. Keeping the wire
floor of the trap covered with dirt or mud will really
help. Leaves, brush and plants can be placed along the
sides and top of the cage to mask the enclosure. This
will insure the animal won't become overly cautious
or trap shy. Like most any live trap, you need to
use a lure or bait to get the mink interested and
curious so they will enter. Use some MINK GLAND (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2077.html) if
you are smelling the "musky" mink odor commonly left
behind when they enter holding pens or barns. This
odor may be present and strong by entrances which
may be a small hole or gap between fencing. If the
mink is targeting a pond - specifically the fish
which reside in the pond - use some SALMON PASTE (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2078.html)
as lure. And in rare cases you may find the mink is
digging in the yard foraging for insects. If this
is the case, use some GRUB LURE (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2079.html).
If the mink is active along a stream bed or
other location where you have a bank in which you
can make set, consider making a "pocket set". This
type of trap set is effective for many animals
including mink. A Pocket Set is when a hole or
pocket is dug out of the bank in which the trap
will fit snug. Ideally, when the trap is placed
in the pocket, it will fit tight. This will help
camouflage the bottom, sides and top of the cage.
Use any of the baits listed above based on what
you think will most likely get their attention.
The use of the Live Cage is best for when you
aren't quite sure where the mink is living but you
either know where it is foraging or where it travels.
But since mink can be wary of live traps, you may
need to use another type of live trap commonly
referred to as a "leg hold". There are two types
of leg hold traps: the COIL (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2080.html) and the LONG SPRING (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2081.html).
Either will work for mink; the coil is a better
choice if you are new to trapping and don't have
much experience since it's a bit easier to work
with and set. Seasoned trappers may prefer one
over the other but either model can be quite
effective. These traps need to be placed out along
mink runs, slides and pathways where they are
active. Generally these sets are best made with
some Gland Lure. However, the pocket set can
be quite effective with either trap and some
Salmon Paste placed in the pocket. When done
right, the pocket should be made right at the water
line so water will enter and hide the trap just
under the water surface. Place the bait in a
cheesecloth sack or nylon sock to keep it above
the water line so it won't wash away. This will
enable it to work best since it will be protected
from the rain and sun as well as the water. Use
either #11 Long Springs or #1.5, #1.75 or #2.0
Coil Traps for these sets. And if you're still unclear
where a good set may be, get a MINK TRAPPING BOOK (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2100.html).
It details a lot of good sets for a wide range of
environments and should prove helpful.
The last live trap option - and one that should
be left to only the most experienced trapper - is
the use of LIGHT SNARES (http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page2082.html). When placed along walk
ways, pathways or slides where mink travel, snares
can be quite effective. The thin cable is barely
detectable and you can make a lot of sets without
a lot of cost. However, snares must be used with
precision and the rule to follow is to try and
place out as many as possible. Be sure to anchor
your snare or else the caught mink will carry away
your cable and fittings. Snared mink are mean
and ornery so be prepared to deal with one mad
animal when caught. And keep in mind that snares
work well when placed in front of den holes.

[4play]

traps seems a bit cruel since im guessing you dont spend alot of time there leaving in the traps is just plain naughty.

I suggest hanging a mink coat in the window as a warning to them.