Naturally drive away mice and rats in the garden sauna
An outdoor sauna, which can be placed in the garden, is considered particularly attractive. It offers a special sauna experience in the middle of the open air. In addition, an outdoor sauna is an attractive eye-catcher. However, it can sometimes attract the attention of uninvited guests, such as various rodents. These include pests such as mice and rats.
Rodents: uninvited guests in the garden sauna
Rodents, also called rodents, form a species-rich order of mammals. Their typical characteristics include rodent teeth on the upper and lower jaws. About 200 to 300 rodent species are classified as pests. Agriculture and food producers in particular suffer from them. However, humans are increasingly constricting the rodents’ natural habitat, often forcing them to seek new sources of food or shelter.
Rats as disease vectors
Some rodents, such as rats, are also considered carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis, which, however, rarely occurs in Europe. Because rats and mice also like to feed on waste, they do not have a good reputation with people.
Rats and mice in garden sheds and the garden sauna
Garden sheds or a garden sauna can also become a target for rats and mice. Typical characteristics of an intrusion by rodents are scratching and scraping noises at night, imprints of paws, smear and drag marks, an unpleasant ammonia odor, and small droppings.
Rat species: domestic rat and brown rat
In Germany, two wild rat species are known. These are the house rat, which is also called brown rat or roof rat, and the Norway rat (common rat). The house rat avoids water and prefers warmth. The Norway rat is widespread. Because it prefers water, it often lives in sewers. It enters buildings through unsecured drains.
How to protect the garden sauna from mice and rats?
A common but drastic method against mice and rats is the use of poison. In Germany alone, 870 tons of poison baits are used each year. They are intended to finish off the rodents. In the process, the animals often suffer an agonizing death. But there is also a risk of poisoning for humans and pets. The poisons are also risky for other animals such as buzzards or barn owls, because they eat rats and mice.
Poison baits are the worst possible way to drive rodents away
Another disadvantage is that the poison effect does not last long. Competing rodents later penetrate into the vacated areas. Therefore, other methods are recommended. Because rodents are usually attracted by food or food scraps, should not be kept in the garden sauna. Surrounding trash cans should be tightly closed. Pet food should also not be left out in the open. Any fallen fruit lying around the garden should be removed.
Animal helpers against rodents
Rodents such as mice and rats also have natural enemies that can be used as helpers. First and foremost among these is the cat. If a cat is kept in the garden sauna or a garden shed, the pests will stay away. But also already used cat litter, which is distributed in small cloth bags at the sauna on the access paths, can have a deterrent effect on the rodents. Another natural enemy of rats and mice is the marten. However, martens often become pests themselves, so they are less suitable as helpers.
Combating possible hiding places of rodents
Rats and mice like to use hiding places to hide. Therefore, anything that makes a good rodent hiding place should be removed from the garden sauna. Short grass or trimmed bushes near the garden sauna can expose rodent hiding places. Plugging loopholes is also helpful. If a rodent can be successfully captured alive, such as through a baited trap, it can then be released about 100 yards from the garden sauna.
This is why live traps make more sense than poison baits
Using a live trap to remove mice or rats from your garden sauna is a simple but effective way to eliminate a rodent problem. Depending on the species, mouse or rat, the live trap should be large enough to hold the entire animal – including the long tail. Once you have caught a rodent, it is recommended that you cover the trap with a cloth to avoid unnecessary stress to the rodents. Do not release the animal until it is at least 100 yards away from your garden sauna to prevent it from finding its way back.
Effective methods for driving mice and rats out of your garden sauna include
Cleaning and removing food sources:
- Remove any food scraps or open food in the sauna that may attract rodents.
- Provide regular cleaning to remove potential food sources such as insects or debris.
Seal access points:
- Check the sauna for potential access points such as cracks crevices, or holes in the walls or floor.
- Seal any gaps with appropriate material such as steel wool or wire mesh to prevent rodent access.
Use of scents:
- Mice and rats dislike certain odors, such as peppermint oil or vinegar.
- Soak cotton balls with these scents and place them near potential access points or in the sauna itself.
Ultrasonic devices:
- Special devices are available commercially that produce ultrasonic sounds that are unpleasant to mice and rats.
- Place such devices in the garden sauna to deter rodents.
Traps and bait:
- Place live traps to capture rodents.
- Use appropriate bait such as peanut butter or bacon grease to attract rodents.
Natural enemies:
- Keep cats as pets or occasionally let them roam free near the sauna.
- Cats are natural enemies of mice and rats and can help keep them away.
Regular inspection:
- Inspect the backyard sauna regularly for signs of rodents such as droppings, gnawing marks or noises.
- If you detect signs of the presence of mice or rats, take immediate action to address the problem.
Please note that there is no guarantee that any one method will completely drive rodents away. However, a combination of measures may be more effective. If the problem persists, it is advisable to contact a professional pest controller who can provide further solutions.
