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8 Tips To Keep Mice Out Of Air Conditioners Outdoor Units

September 19, 2024 Hussain Bhatti No Comments

Not only in the kitchen but sometimes mice enter the Air Conditioners’ outdoor units. If you have battled with mice making a home in AC, you know how irritating it can get. I’ve learned it’s not just about the waste and the nesting habits they leave behind; mice can wreak havoc on your cooling system equipment. They chew the wiring, which can completely stop your system. 

Why Mice Make AC Their New Home?

Why Mice Make AC Their New Home

A good question!

Well, mice migrate wherever they find food. Yet, the outdoor unit isn’t a food source. But it’s an ideal shelter for them to come together and stay there for months without any external intervention. The shadow unit allows them to enjoy their picnic party inside and not have to move here and there frequently.

How to Keep Mice At Bay from an Air Conditioner? – 8 Practical Tips That Work for Most

Let’s learn how to keep them out of ACs.

1. See What’s Damaged

First, you’ll never be aware of what’s going wrong unless you inspect what got damaged. You can simply make a monthly look-up schedule and see inside the AC indoor and outdoor units. It can be the signs of a pest problem or mouse droppings like urine puddles or stains; It will indicate the presence of rodents.

Plus, don’t overlook chewed electrical wiring pieces. Once you detect them, act to remove the wastage by opening the cover and unscrewing it. You can also call a pest control company to do it for you.

2. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Secondly, you have to maintain the area around you outdoors. A rule of thumb is to clear the nearby area up to two feet. While eliminating places where mice might hide. Regularly cleaning leaves, mulch, wood, and compost piles will reduce the chances of creating habitats that attract pests. Keep your dust off, including the grass clippings, pet droppings, and other organic waste, away from your air conditioner to discourage pests from coming.

3. Check the Leakings

Just like molds, mice are also attracted to your air conditioner due to moisture coming from condensation and water leaks. Once the water accumulates from drainage leaks or clogged drains, it allows the next process to damage the insulation. Meanwhile, this damage creates gaps and cracks and allows the mice to enter the metal box unit.

4. Install Barriers Like Screens

Just like humans can’t cross borders without a permit, if you place barriers around the outdoor unit, the mice will stay away from the outdoor unit. One effective way to prevent mice from making a shelter near your HVAC system. It can be installing mesh screen coverings. These mesh screens act as solid barriers that make it difficult for mice to chew through due to their rigidness or squeeze into small spaces. You can adjust the mesh size to ensure acceptable blockage of pests but allow air to flow freely.

5. Keep the Surrounding Area Neat

Suppose you utilize your backyard area for BBQ parties and bonfire nights. Then, make sure you clean the landscape after the event ends. The debris, including firewood piles, leaves, and long grass, blocks the airflow and attracts pests. Another attractive option is placing decorative stone or granite pieces. These landscaping techniques will enhance the look of your garden and say bye to prevent pests from getting too close.

6. Properly Seal The Air Ducts

If the issue is not in the backyard, it can be in the middle!

But how do I find it?

Holes and gaps in your air ducts and vents are crucial in keeping rodents out of your home. Inspect your HVAC and air conditioning units for any potential entryways where mice could enter. Use sturdy materials to seal these cracks permanently.

Duct tape can work as a temporary fix, but it may peel due to humidity and temperature changes. Consulting a professional from an HVAC company like Ventiluxes to repair any damage and install mesh screens over vents ensures a long-term solution.

7. Prevent Puddles

Likewise, puddles attract mice as they are drawn to sources of moisture. 

After heavy rain or grass flooding, puddles attract mice due to moisture buildup. To prevent these water leaks and accumulation, your drainage and gutter system should be clogged-free. If you see standing water for days near your outdoor unit, clean it using a wiper. After doing this simple practice, you’ll notice a significant decline in the critter’s growth.

8. Off the Condenser Breaker

In the colder months, rodents seek a warm place to rest for several weeks. You can turn off the tour condenser breaker when you’re not using AC. As a result, there is no warmth, and mice will get out of them as the snow or cool breeze hits the unit.

The Bottom Line

Whether you want to keep your air clean and your temperature controlled or need emergency repairs, we’re here to help. Visit Ventliuxes.com today to schedule your service or to learn more about our comprehensive HVAC solutions.

Stay calm, stay warm, and stay safe with Ventliuxes!

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