Better mice outside than inside your home, but that doesn't mean you have to accept or welcome them there. If mice are becoming an issue in your garden, you can always trap them using mouse traps, or you can create an unfriendly environment so they leave and get comfortable elsewhere. This is especially necessary if the garden is located with 100 feet of your home, because mice are more likely to find their way indoors if they are nesting and feeding close to your house.
Put trash in cans and seal the lids each time you add more trash. If you accumulate more trash than your cans hold, purchase larger or additional cans. Clean and rinse recyclable food containers before putting them outdoors in your recycling bins.
Rake plant debris around the garden to keep the area under the plants clean. Rmove nearby wood, brush and junk piles and other debris that could be nesting and hiding areas for mice. If you must store this type of material outdoors, place it on top of tables or platforms that are at least 12 inches off the ground. Clear your property of any junk cars, trucks and tires where mice might be nesting.
Feed outdoor pets only as much as they can eat in one feeding. Do not keep bowls filled with food outdoors and discard or store any leftovers after each meal. Use a squirrel guard for any bird feeders in the landscape.
Grow plants in the mint family sporadically or around the perimeter of the garden, as mint can help deter mice from the garden.
Things You Will Need
- Trash cans with lids
- Table or platform
- If you live in a neighborhood where houses are close together, join forces with the neighbors to help control the mice population.
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