Mousetraps of a Different Time

Ever wonder how people did pest control way back in the day? Specifically how they got rid of rats and mice? Well mozy on up the road to Norris to check out a pretty robust collection of turn of the century and centuries old mousetraps.

From our friends at WBIR

You may think of Norris Dam State park as a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors. It also features an indoor attraction: the Lenoir Museum.

All the things at the Lenoir Museum in Norris were collected over about 60 years by Will G. and Helen Lenoir.

“That was there hobby. That’s what they did,” Michael Mlejodaj explained.

He said they donated it to the state to build the museum, which now includes more than 5,000 interesting artifacts. Some of them are mousetraps.

“There’s quite a variety of different ways to get rid of rodents,” he said.

Some are more gentle than others.

“This is a humane trap. This doesn’t kill them. You can let them out the next day,” he said.

Then there’s the Orchard Mouse Destroyer.

He demonstrate, “You would put some water and some kind of poison in there and then the rat or the mouse would just go in there and take a little drink and fall into the water.”

And meet its demise.

You can see the mousetrap collection and much more at the Lenoir Museum in Norris.

Diseased Raccoons Found in Roane County

Local news was reporting that some raccoons have been found in Roane County that could have a possibility of rabies. Testing is still being determined.

Raccoons East Tennessee | Johnson Pest ControlWhile the wilderness is steps away from the neighborhoods in Rockwood, police say it’s still an odd case. Diseased raccoons have been discovered, and they could have rabies.

“There’s not an epidemic, however you need to be cautious of any wild animals — particularly raccoons,” said Rockwood Police Chief Danny Wright.

They discovered three raccoons that were foaming at the mouth in the last few weeks. Chief Wright said it’s the first time they’ve discovered potentially rabid animals in the wild.

Rabies could transfer from animals to humans — affecting the nervous system. Not treated, rabies could be fatal.

“Talked to TWRA. There is a distemper going around. So they believe it may be distemper instead of rabies,” the chief added.

Residents have been notified of the potential risk. The city has also been doing more to keep the animals at bay. Garbage men have been on double-time, watching for any trash that could attract raccoons. Police have also been keeping an eye out too.

“We’re not out here looking on ‘raccoon patrol,'” said Wright. “What we’re doing is doing our normal duties and responding to calls for assistance, and that’s why we asked for assistance from the public.”

So far, there have been no reported rabies or distemper cases in Roane County.

Distemper is usually a canine disease and has some similar signs of rabies, but it is not commonly found in the wild. But where we live and the common intersections of family/pet and wildlife it’s possible that is the case.

In the mean time, be vigilant for wildlife that might pose a threat to your neighborhood and family. Call your local wildlife services or a wildlife removal specialist if you have concerns.