Backyard Blogging.

Many of our pool owners leave their pools open in the fall and winter. They like the ambiance in their backyards, and they even like to swim.

Yet, mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents come out during these times and nest in pool heaters. Not only is this annoying, but it’s quite costly. Costs mount, especially when they eat through wires and insulation. Disaster is right around the corner.

Let’s look at how to keep rodents out of your pool heater.

Pick Up Some Supplies

There are some important supplies to have on hand at home when trying to prevent problems. Here’s what you need:

• Steel wool
• Mothballs
• Wood panel
• Chicken wire
• Hardware cloth
• Rubber snakes

Seal Cracks and Gaps

Your next step is to look over your pool equipment and your heater (it’s a good idea to do this regularly).

You are looking for any cracks or gaps. If you find any, stuff some of the steel wool you bought inside the cracks. This is a deterrent and may keep rodents form crawling in. And if they do try to bit it, they won’t like it, and they may leave.

If they do eat the steel wool, they won’t fare well.

Add Some Moth Balls

Next, go to your control panel and add some mothballs.

Rodents do not like this smell, and this is another deterrent to keep them out of your pool equipment.

Cover the Area With Cloth

You purchased some hardware cloth. Grab it and cover any other exposed areas. This will provide you another barrier, and the rodents won’t have a way in.

Why? They can’t chew through hardware cloth.

Trim Weeds

Make sure you have cut your grass and trimmed any weeds around your pool equipmnet. Doing so takes away the place rodents like to hide.

Add Some Wood Paneling

You can also put wood paneling around the exterior of your pool heater. Mice, rats, and their friends won’t be able to get inside

Grab Those Plastic Snakes

Another deterrent is those plastic toy snakes you purchased. Scatter them around your pool heater.

This may keep rodents away because they are scared of snakes.

Final Thoughts

Check over your pool equipment regularly.

If you do have an infestation, it’s time to call your exterminator. They may be able to safely remove the rodents and relocate them. The exterminator can clear the nest.

At this time, if you find you have damage to your pool heater and equipment, give us a call. We can help repair any damaged wires or equipment.

Finally, don’t forget to remove all of the deterrents we mentioned above in the spring when you open your pool!