Mice can be a nuisance in any home, but they can be especially troublesome when they fall into pools. Pool mice aren’t dangerous, but they are hazardous to your health and safety. Luckily, homeowners can take a few simple steps to deter mice from falling into pools this summer. Learn how to avoid sharing your oasis with mice and determine who to call for rodent control.
What Kind of Mice Go to the Pool?
Some types of mice, like the deer mouse, are common in North America and can swim. Other types of mice, like the house mouse, cannot swim and would drown if they fell into a pool. If you see a mouse swimming in your pool, it’s likely a deer mouse. These mice are brown or black with white bellies and are about 2-3 inches long. They are notable swimmers and can stay underwater for up to three minutes.
How To Prevent Mice From Frequenting Your Pool?
It’s the middle of summer, and you’re enjoying a refreshing dip in your pool when you spot a tiny mouse swimming around. This sight may not be the biggest problem, but it’s still pretty gross. You’re probably not looking close enough to determine what type of mouse the tiny swimmer is, but there are different kinds of mice you could be sharing your pool with. Truly Nolen Canada provides a four-season pest control service that reduces mice populations all year long.
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Clear Debris
Mice can contaminate the water with their urine and feces, and they can also spread diseases. Keeping mice out of your pool is essential to maintain it properly. Ensure that the pool is kept clean, free of debris and that the water is circulating correctly. If you observe any cracks or holes in the pool deck or fence, fix them immediately. Keeping food and garbage away from the pool area is also essential.
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Maintain Landscaping
One of the simplest ways to keep rodents away from your pool is to keep tall grass and plants away from the perimeter. Tall grass and plants provide a perfect hiding place for mice, and since they are attracted to water, they will be drawn to your pool naturally. Keeping the area around your pool free of overgrown landscaping will help deter rodents from getting too close.
A bonus to maintaining landscaping is that other uninvited guests are less likely to emerge during your next pool party. Much of the wildlife shelters in tall grass and loves cool water in the summer heat:
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Alligators
- Birds
- Rabbits
- Possums
- Skunks
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Use Deterrents
Mice can easily swim into the pool, where they can become trapped or drown. Using scent discs or mouse baffles around the edge of the collection is a practical idea. Scent discs release an unpleasant smell to mice, while baffles create an obstacle that prevents them from entering the pool.
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Install Barriers
Another way to help deter mice from falling in your pool is to install a pool fence. Pool fences are made from various materials and have different features, but the basic idea is the same – they keep mice out. Some pool fences are designed to be raised or lowered, while others are stationary. There are also mouse guards available that attach to the side of your pool for this very purpose.
Remember to keep mice out of your pool because they can contaminate the water with their droppings, which can cause many health problems. They can also damage the pool liner and equipment. To protect your pool from mice, and mice from your pool, follow preventative guidelines and contact the professionals at Truly Nolen Canada for rodent control.