If mice settle in your yard, you could face expensive lawn damage as well as exposure to dangerous illnesses. Instead of seeking mice removal in Milwaukee when the situation turns dire, be proactive to prevent an infestation. With the following tips, you can keep your yard mouse-free.
Protect Gazebos and Hot Tubs
Unfortunately, hot tubs are the perfect candidates for a mice infestation since they provide shelter. However, there are a few surefire ways to keep rodents out:
- Seal gaps in the shell.
- Use a spa cover.
- Treat water with proper chemicals.
Gazebos also face pest problems, as mice may shelter in them or chew on the posts. To keep wildlife away, consider screening your gazebo.
Use Repellants Around Sheds
Outdoor sheds are the perfect spot for mice to nest, especially if you store bird seed and other food sources inside. To prevent wildlife from moving in, inspect your shed annually for holes, gaps, and other damage. Hiring pest control professionals for this task is a good idea since they’ll know what to look for.
If you like to garden, you can also use natural repellents to keep mice away. With their sensitive noses, mice can’t stand the scent of these plants:
- Lemongrass
- Mint
- Sage
- Lavender
- Daffodils
Clear Up Piles of Leaves
Leaf piles are great places for mice to hide, so try cleaning up leaves every week or so. Mice are also partial to tall grass, as it shields them from predators. As a result, keeping grass under 4 inches is a great way to deter rodents.
Bushes and trees are also natural homes for mice, though you can make them less inviting by keeping foliage neatly trimmed. Make sure you dispose of fallen branches quickly to prevent similar issues.
Finally, avoid storing wood piles outdoors. The dark crevasses offer shelter, and the wood makes excellent nesting material.
Enclose Trash Cans
Mice are attracted to the scent of rotting food, so they often gravitate toward trash and composting bins. Putting these containers in an enclosure is a great way to keep rodents and larger wildlife out. You should also lock the lids and use odor-fighting trash bags to create further barriers to hungry animals.
Maintain Your Deck
The space under your deck is inviting to many critters, including mice. To prevent them from moving in, install a mesh screen. You should also avoid planting shrubs in this area, as they provide too much cover for small animals. Instead, consider putting down a few feet of decorative rock as a perimeter.
Additionally, keeping your deck clean is a must. Even tiny crumbs can attract mice, so sweep your deck whenever you eat there.
Look After Barbecue Grills
As strange as it sounds, your grill isn’t safe from a mice infestation. If you leave it outdoors during the cold months, desperate rodents might find their way inside.
The first step to protecting your barbecue is looking for holes. You can safely stuff these with steel wool until you can get them professionally repaired. If you don’t mind making the repairs yourself, you can find safe sealants at your local hardware store.
If you know you won’t use your grill for a while, store it indoors. Before doing so, clean the cooking grate to the best of your ability, as this will eliminate any lingering food smells. Mothballs are also a great way to cover up stubborn odors and happen to be toxic to mice. Finally, use a grill cover to deter pests and keep out dust.
Instead of searching for “Do mice leave in the summer?” and hoping for the best, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to rodent-proof your yard. Our preventative, humane measures can save you a headache. For more information, contact us online or give us a call.
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