Mice getting horse's blankets

So I have two prefab sheds that act as my feed and tack storage. They’re older and not is too shape. I’ve hung racks in both sheds to put blankets on. However I recently saw the mice had been chewing on a fly sheet. Haven’t checked the others yet but if they’ve gotten to one I’m sure they’ve reached the others. My saddle pads are in a large thick plastic trunk and so far I’ve had no issues. Should I just break down and do that, would metal be better, are there any other better ways to keep my blankets safe?

Barn cats. :smiley:

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Mice can squeeze into gaps through which you can pass a quarter, I’ve been told.
I’ve also watched mice climb walls to hid in blankets neatly folded and hanging on racks.

Plastic containers with clamp-closed lids will help deter the mice, but if they can fit in, then the blankets are vulnerable to damage. I’d say if you make the plastic containers inhospitable to mice – by adding mothballs for long term storage, or oil of peppermint soaked cotton balls (replaced Q2 weeks), you’ll stand a better chance of not having your blankets chewed & turned into mice nests :slight_smile:

D-Con, traps of various types, cats, snakes, etc. All are potential parts of a vermin control system. Take you pick.

G.

Metal trash can with tight-fitting lid, or a metal footlocker. Plug up any holes in the shed with steel wool.

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PLEASE do not use poisons of any kind. They kill Owls, Hawks, Dogs, Cats… Trap them!

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I have used plastic tubs for years to store blankets and sheets with good results. Just be sure to get the ones with the lids that clamp shut tightly.

I managed the pest control program for my company (I don’t apply anything but I help coordinate corrective actions and the like). Step 1 is always prevent the pest from getting where you don’t want them. If your sheds are letting the mice in, you can sure them up. Stand inside the shed with all the doors and windows closed so its dark inside and light outside. Any light you can see in gaps, fill that. Mice can make that gap larger to get in. If you use calking, add metal like copper scrubber to it. Mice and rats won’t chew that as quickly. Step 2 is remove or contain what they are getting at/want. Feed should be stored in metal containers. Most rodents go after blankets and the like for bedding and warmth. Heavy plastic bins that close firmly should be ok but keep an eye on them.

Good luck!

Edit: If you are thinking about applying poisons do steps 1 and 2 first. The preventive steps tend to last longer as rodents are always looking for food/safe places to live. If you do decide to apply poisons, I would recommend hiring a pro. Piece of mind and they are trained to work in a variety of applications.

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I store my blankets in a large trash can with the lid securely fastened, mostly to keep the barn cats from peeing on them but it also works to keep any small critters away. Cats and a rat zapper trap work well also.

I’ve found these to be very helpful…

https://www.amazon.com/Earthkind-Cab-2-5oz-Mouse-Pouch/dp/B00J5O62OU/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1AWHHXV4D6LT0&keywords=mouse+deterrent+pouches&qid=1551295049&s=gateway&sprefix=mouse+deterrent%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-24

Plastic bins with a crap ton of moth balls.

Also cats and mouse traps.