How can I protect my Lawn mower against mice building a nest in my mower engine in the fall?

Answer 1

The best method is to either bring the mower indoors for over-Winter storage, or to invest in a metal garden lock-up cupboard that you can keep it in (which mice couldn't gnaw their way into). If your mower is small enough to be hung up on a large hook in your garage or shed, an alternative would be to cover the wall upon which it hangs with a sheet of smooth plastic, aluminum or another smooth surface in which it would be impossible for mice's claws to get a purchase. If the mower is hung against this in it's entirity, with the suspension hook going through the surface sheet into the wall, the mice will be unable to climb up into the engine.

You could also try covering the engine with a sack or a ream of fabric that has been impregnated with a substance that mice don't like the smell of, which will keep them away- although you may need to renew the smelling agent regularly. Consult Google for possible smells that are repellant to mice by keying in 'mouse-repelling odours' or something similar.

My method. I have already lost one engine to these little pests. The fluffy nest will cause overheating in just a few minutes. My solution was to take the perfectly useless hood off the mower and stow it away. They, however, nested inside the motor cover anyway. Next, I always remove the air filter cover (three seconds) and lay it on the seat. Now I am reminded to be wary, and, additionally, I can easily inspect the motor compartment (nesting area), and, this being more exposed might deter them. Poisoning is fine, but not always effective. People with far away outbuildings cannot keep mice completely controlled.