When the weather drops suddenly, mice look anywhere to find warmth, shelter, and food. They will look everywhere for these essential survival items to make it through the winter months.

Mouse problems occur frequently in the fall as soon as the temperatures drop. They retreat to shelters in homes, garages, sheds and even barbeques. Finding a mouse in your BBQ can be a scary but very common experience.

Why is there a mouse nest your BBQ? Mice are very determined pests, they will go anywhere and everywhere they smell food. Your BBQ is the perfect place for shelter and food during the winter months. Not only will they nest in your BBQ, but they will produce feces and urine, an overwhelming and unpleasant scent for any homeowner.

If you see signs of mice droppings, remnants of a mouse nest, or physically see a mouse scurrying around, you more than likely have an infestation of nesting mice in BBQ.

How to prevent mice in your BBQ

• Clean the BBQ thoroughly

• Burn off the remaining residue

• Cover it with a zippered cover during the winter

• Eliminate possible nesting areas and food sources

• Get rid of newspapers, old furniture or clothes that mice can use for nests

• In the winter, close all vents and stop all holes with steel wool (steel wool is very flammable so remember to remove it when you start to use your BBQ again in the spring)

How to get rid of mice in your BBQ

If you do find a mouse nest in your BBQ, you have to take special precautions on removing it, as mice feces can be very poisonous to humans. The good news is that you can you can remove it safely without having to buy a new BBQ.

1. First, remove the nesting material wearing gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from exposure.

2. Next, you need to clean the grill to remove pheromones and lingering bits of food, feces or urine.

3. Once you are done cleaning, disinfect or throw out all the tools you used for cleaning.

4. Investingin a zipper cover is recommended when you are storing your BBQ for the winter or when you are leaving to go on vacation in the summer.

5. Regular use and cleanings will greatly decrease your risk of having further mouse problems.

If you have extensive recurring mouse problems in your home, call a professional pest control company such as Environmental Pest Control.