When mice get inside your home, they can quickly multiply and damage your walls, wires, floors and insulation. A mouse infestation can cause expensive damage and destruction in your home, so the best course of action is to take steps to prevent them from coming inside. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control we recommend taking a look at your backyard and removing anything that mice are drawn to. Our mice removal strategies focus on humane practices and smart preventative steps. Here are four things attracting mice to your backyard this summer.

1. Bird Feeders

If you have a bird feeder set up in your backyard, you may want to rethink that. Bird seed and nuts aren’t just a favourite food for birds. Mice also enjoy eating ingredients in common bird seed mixes. Consider rodent-proofing your bird feeder or removing it in the summer to prevent mice from using it.

Bird feeders are also pretty easy for mice to access since they can squeeze themselves inside tiny spaces. The birds that eat from a bird feeder also don’t prey on mice, so there is no danger to the rodents when they climb up a bird feeder and eat. 

2. Composting Piles

Starting a compost pile is a great way to help reduce the amount of trash your family produces each week. Compost can be used in your garden to help fertilize your plants. The smell of composting food may be attracting rodents, so you have to monitor your compost pile for signs of mice.

To keep mice out of your compost pile, upgrade the container you use to collect food scraps. Instead of a compost pile out in the open, use a heavy-duty composting tumbler to keep everything contained and secure. The compost will be stored off the ground and away from potential critters.

3. Pet Food

Another common item that may attract mice is pet food. If you store pet food outside or leave a bowl of food out for your dog or cat, it could be feeding more than your furry friend. Mice and other small animals can chew through a bag of pet food that is stored outdoors. They will also eat any uneaten food from your pet’s dish if it’s outside.

If you need a place to store pet food, use the garage or another indoor area. Keep pet food in sealed containers that mice or other small animals can’t chew through. This may also help reduce the smell of the food that attracts rodents. Additionally, only feed your dog or cat when they’re inside.

4. Unsealed Trash Cans

Your trash may also be attracting mice to your yard. On trash day, never store trash bags outside of a garbage can. Mice can easily get into plastic trash bags and make a huge mess of your garbage on your property.

You should also take a look at your garbage cans and make sure they are rodent-proof. Some plastic trash containers can be chewed through by rodents, so be sure you use metal trash cans or heavy-duty plastic to prevent mice from getting to your trash. Make sure your garbage cans also have locking lids.

Mice Removal From Your Property

 Mice may also be attracted to the crumbs from your grill, so make sure you thoroughly clean it after each use. If you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, you should pick up any ripe fruit or vegetables to prevent mice from having an easy meal. At Skedaddle, our wildlife control services in Coquitlam help homeowners keep rodents out of their yards and homes.

If you want to do more to prevent mice from taking over your property or if you think you have an infestation, contact the team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. Our mouse infestation solutions are based on humane practices and effective strategies.