Yes. Mice can gnaw materials and use foam, fabric, insulation, paper, and other soft materials for nesting.
When people think of rodent problems, they often think about how they tend to get into houses when it gets cold outside. That’s a real problem, but they can also just as easily take up residence in your boat, vehicle, and patio furniture.
Boats and RVs are good places for rodents to hide. They’re full of protected cavities that are warmer and sheltered from rain. They also have lots of upholstery and insulation that can be used to make nests, along with wiring that rodents may chew.
Patio cushions might seem like an odd inclusion to normal rodent hiding spots, but this is a big problem on the lakeshore. The cushions are full of fabric and foam that can be shredded or carried away to make nests.
The first thing that might alert you to an infestation is the presence of small pieces of material scattered nearby. Other signs include droppings, gnaw marks, nests, odors, damaged wiring, or food that has been disturbed.
Before putting equipment into winter storage, remove food and trash and clean areas where crumbs may remain. Store loose cushions where rodents cannot easily reach them when practical. It is also wise to inspect access points around doors, storage buildings, garages, sheds, boat covers, and RV compartments.
Where the vehicles and cushions are stored also matters. Mice can often enter garages through damaged door seals and then gain access to what’s stored inside. If equipment is kept outdoors, the barriers to access are fewer, but you can still discourage rodents from taking over by trimming vegetation and clearing clutter. Rodents don’t like running out in the open if they can avoid it.
If mice are active around or getting into your West Michigan Lakeshore property, Mosquito Squad of West Michigan Lakeshore can help identify rodent activity and determine an appropriate control approach. Call (616) 426-6776 or request a free quote online.
