Prevent & Keep Mice Out of Your Grill This Summer
By : Rita Stadler
Summer is just around the corner, and that means grilling season is here! Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious meal with friends and family. However, as much as you enjoy using your grill, it’s important to keep in mind that mice can also be drawn to it for various reasons.
Mice are attracted to quiet places near food sources and warmth, making your grill an ideal spot for them to take shelter. This is especially true during the winter months when the grill isn’t being used and is left undisturbed for days, weeks, or even longer. But even during the grilling season, mice can be a problem if you don’t take the necessary precautions. The purpose of this article is to empower you to proactively keep mice away from your BBQ grill, not just during the grilling season, but also when you store it away for the winter. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
So how can you tell if your grill has become infested with mice? Look out for signs like droppings, chew marks on wires and cords, and ball-shaped nests made from assorted chew-up materials.
What are the signs of a rodent infestation?
Why Do Mice Like Your Grill?
Mice tend to favor grills over other areas of your patio because they provide easy access to food, shelter from predators, and warmth during the winter months. They may also be attracted to the smell of leftover food or grease on the grill.
How to Keep Mice Out of Your Grill
Clean Your Grill After Each Use
One of the best ways to prevent mice from infesting your grill is to clean it after every use. Continuously cleaning your grill throughout the grilling season will help remove any leftover food or grease that may attract mice. Additionally, it’s important to clean your grill before storing it away for the winter. Use a grill brush to remove any debris and then wipe down the grates with a damp cloth. This will help prevent any food residue from attracting mice.
Store Your Grill Properly
Storing your grill in a dry location, such as a garage or shed, can help prevent mice from taking shelter inside it. Make sure to keep it elevated off the ground and cover it with a tarp or grill cover. Avoid storing it near any areas where mice may easily access it, like a compost bin, trash can, or wood pile.
Cover
Investing in a good grill cover can help prevent mice infestations by keeping your grill protected from the elements and inaccessible to rodents. Look for a cover made of durable materials like vinyl or polyester, and make sure it fits snugly over your grill.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural mouse repellent that can be used to keep mice away from your grill. The strong scent of peppermint is known to repel mice and other pests. To use it, simply soak a few cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your grill. You can also mix peppermint oil with water and spray it around the perimeter of your grill. You will need to repeat this process often as the scent may dissipate quickly.
Steel Wool
Steel wool is another effective way to keep mice away from your grill because mice cannot chew through it. Mice are known for their strong teeth and their ability to chew through a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and even some metals. However, steel wool is too tough for their teeth to gnaw through, making it an effective barrier against them.
To use steel wool to keep mice away from your grill, place it in any gaps or openings that mice could use to gain access to the grill. For example, if your grill has a vent, you could place steel wool over the vent to prevent mice from entering. Additionally, if your grill has any gaps or openings, you could stuff steel wool into those areas to block off access.
Stay Away® Rodent by EarthKind® is a plant-based solution that will keep mice away from your grill. It is a mix of essential oils and other powerful botanical ingredients that repel mice naturally. This mouse repellent is easy to use and can be placed in areas where mice are likely to enter, such as around the grill or in the storage area where the grill is kept during the off-season.
Is it Safe to Use a Grill After Mice Infestation?
If your grill has been infested with mice, it is important to take steps to sanitize it before using it again. Mice can carry a variety of diseases, and their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and food.
Review the owner’s manual to identify any special instructions for cleaning and for how to disassemble and remove the grill to wash it thoroughly in hot soapy water. You can often find the owner’s manual and care instructions online via the manufacturer’s website if you do not have the original copy.
Keep Your Grilling Area Sanitary and Chemical Free
Keeping your grilling area clean and sanitary is important for both health and safety reasons. After each use, make sure to clean your grill thoroughly to remove any food particles and grease buildup. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides around the grill area, as these can be harmful to both humans and pets.
Mice can be a nuisance when they infest your grill, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from entering and to get rid of them if they do. From cleaning your grill after each use to using botanical mouse repellents like Stay Away Rodent by EarthKind, there are many ways to protect your grill from pests.
