Mice can be a nuisance when they start nesting in outdoor cabinets. However, there are several effective methods to discourage mice from making themselves at home in your outdoor storage areas. Here are some tips on what will discourage mice from nesting in outdoor cabinets.
Keep the Area Clean
Mice are attracted to clutter and food scraps. Keep the area around and inside your outdoor cabinets tidy. Sweep up any spilled birdseed, pet food or other debris that may attract mice. Make sure to thoroughly clean the inside of cabinets to eliminate traces of food and nesting materials.
Remove Food Sources
Mice need a ready food source to survive. Don’t store any food items, like birdseed or pet food, in outdoor cabinets. Even small amounts of crumbs or spills can be enough to draw mice to the area. Make sure any garbage cans near the cabinets have tight fitting lids.
Use Natural Repellents
Mice tend to avoid certain strong smells. Try using natural repellents around the outdoor cabinets to deter mice from approaching or nesting. Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, garlic and vinegar are known to repel mice. You can soak cotton balls in these solutions and place them around cabinets.
Seal Up Entry Points
Mice can squeeze into very small openings to gain entry. Carefully examine your outdoor cabinets for any gaps or holes where mice could get in. Seal up all openings larger than 1/4 inch with caulk, steel wool, weather stripping or other sealing materials. Pay close attention around the door and corners.
Use Mothballs
The strong smell of mothballs is unpleasant and repulsive to mice. Place mothballs around the perimeter of cabinets and inside to make the space uninviting for mice. Be sure to use gloves when handling mothballs and do not ingest them. Replenish mothballs periodically as the smell fades.
Set Traps
traps can help eliminate any mice already nesting in or around cabinets. Use humane traps designed to catch mice alive without harming them. Check traps frequently and release unharmed mice far away from the property. Trapping mice teaches remaining mice to avoid the area.
Use Deterrent Sounds
Mice are easily startled by unfamiliar sounds. Place battery-powered ultrasonic pest repellers or motion-activated deterrent devices in the cabinets. The sounds bother mice and make them reluctant to nest there. These devices also work for repelling other small pests.
Apply Rodent-Repellent Sprays
Specialized rodent repellent sprays make surfaces unpleasant for mice with bitterness or tacky formulas. Apply these sprays inside cabinets and around the exterior to discourage nesting. Reapply periodically as directed. Ensure any product used is safe for outdoor use.
Use Predator Urine/Scent
The scent of predator urine, like coyotes, foxes or bobcats, triggers mice’s natural fear response. Place cotton balls soaked in these solutions around cabinets to scare mice away. Many garden centers or hardware stores sell predator urine. Refresh the scent regularly.
Install Lights
Mice prefer dark places to build nests. Installing a motion-sensing light or leaving a low-wattage bulb on near the cabinets at night can deter mice. The light makes them feel too exposed and unsafe to nest. Just be sure lights won’t be a nuisance to neighbors.
Consult a Pest Control Expert
For serious mouse infestations or nests that persist despite remedies, contact a professional pest control company. They have industrial-strength deterrents and can permanently seal entry points. They can also identify any structural issues attracting rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deterring Mice from Outdoor Cabinets
What smells repel mice from outdoor cabinets?
Mice hate the smells of peppermint, garlic, vinegar, ammonia and predator urine. Cotton balls soaked in these scents can be placed around outdoor cabinets. Reapply them regularly to maintain effectiveness.
What can I put in outdoor cabinets to keep mice out?
Mothballs, cayenne pepper, battery-powered ultrasonic pest repellers and rodent repellent sprays are good options for placing inside outdoor cabinets. Avoid leaving any food items or clutter mice could use for nesting.
Will aluminum foil keep mice out of outdoor cabinets?
Crumpled aluminum foil can initially deter mice as they dislike walking on the uneven surface. But mice will eventually ignore foil if they want to access food inside cabinets. It’s better for sealing holes than long-term deterrence.
What kind of traps work best for catching mice outdoors?
Humane traps that catch mice alive without harming them work best outdoors. They allow you to release the mouse unharmed away from your property. Place traps along walls where you’ve seen signs of mice.
What home remedy repels mice naturally?
A spray of half water and half white vinegar deters mice from cabinets without using harsh chemicals. Peppermint oil, cloves, garlic and chili pepper flakes are other natural repellents you can place around cabinets. Avoid using products toxic to pets.
Will dryer sheets keep mice out of outdoor cabinets?
Dryer sheets do not work well for repelling mice long-term but can mask human scents that attract mice initially. Their scent fades quickly outdoors. It’s better to use more pungent natural smells mice dislike to deter them.
Conclusion
Preventing mice from nesting in outdoor cabinets requires diligence in sealing up entry points, removing food attractants and making the area inhospitable. Natural smells, lights, sounds and deterrent devices will encourage mice to build nests elsewhere. Trapping mice and consulting experts can also help evict persistent mouse infestations. By implementing a combination of these methods, you can successfully discourage mice from invading your outdoor storage spaces. Consistency is key when trying to deter mice in outdoor areas.