How to Keep Mice Out of Your Grill

Learning how to keep mice out of grills can make all the difference when it comes to the final product. Even the best grills, after all, are absolute magnets for rodents and other pests. That’s why you need to keep the grills clean on a BBQ; otherwise, it’s just inviting pests. Keep reading to learn several methods for keeping mice and their rat cousins away from your grill.

Why Keep Mice Out of Grills?

There are a whole bunch of reasons why you don’t want mice and rats near your grill. First of all, they pose a health risk to you and your family, thanks to their feces. Additionally, they are just unsanitary, especially when near your food. Finally, they’ll eat up your ingredients before you get a chance to do it. If you are just learning how to barbeque, a mice or two will take the joy out of it in a heartbeat.

It’s important to keep your grill and the surrounding area clean and free of any debris or food scraps that might attract rodents. If you do find evidence of mice or other pests, such as mice droppings or strong scents, it’s important to take action to address the infestation. Not only can pests carry diseases that can lead to food poisoning, but they can also cause damage to your grill. Plus, if mice use the grill to nest, their nesting materials can pose a fire hazard.

It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your grill for signs of any pests and take steps to prevent them from getting inside your grill, such as sealing any gaps or holes.

However, if your grill is an inside unit, like the one in our George Foreman electric grill GR0040B review, you’ll find it easier to keep the mice away.

How to Keep Mice Out of Outdoor Grills

There are a few ways to keep mice and various rodents away from your grill. Depending on the steel the grill is, 304 vs 430 stainless steel, it may be easier or harder to keep clean.

You’ll want to regularly engage in total grill cleaning. For the grill body, hose it down with water and soap. Use a grill scraper to remove any leftover food or debris, and a metal grill brush to scrub the grates clean. However, it’s important to be careful when using a metal grill brush as its bristles can sometimes break off and become embedded in the grates, potentially causing harm if ingested.

Another option is to invest in a grill with a smoother grill body that doesn’t have as many hard-to-reach crevices, making it harder for rodents to hide or nest in. Regardless of which method you choose, maintaining a clean grill is essential for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking experience.

If you just learned how to use a charcoal grill as a smoker, or if you are a seasoned veteran, give these options a try. Don’t forget to keep the auger area clean as well if your grill has a side-mounted auger like some of the best Pit Boss pellet grill options.

Method 1 – Employ Deterrents

1. Rodents are deterred by some items you may already have laying around the house
2. Mice hate certain scents, such as mothballs and those created by commercial rat and mouse repellants.
3. Camphor is another option to try.
4. Whichever you decide, place the repellant near the grill according to the instructions.

Using commercial mice repellents or a natural mice repellent can be an effective way to keep rodents away from your grill. Some natural repellents that can be effective include peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, and cloves. You can also try placing mothballs or dryer sheets around the area. It’s important to make sure there are no food bits left around the grill area, as these can attract rodents and other pests.

Method 2 – Traps and Glues

1. You can always go for mouse traps, including glue traps, though we recommend choosing a humane option.
2. Purchase live mouse traps and place them near your barbeque grill or your ingredients.
3. Practice catch and release once you trap a mouse or two.

Method 3 – Create Barriers

1. Mice can’t eat what they can’t reach, so build a barrier around your grill.
2. Block off any major holes on the exterior of your grill with wood blocks or even bricks.
3. Place chicken wire or any kind of mesh surrounding the grill.
4. Choose a cover without a fabric lining, as mice easily hide inside of these linings.
5. Take the grill inside after use and place it in a shed or a garage. This will limit access.
6. Keep the grill away from a fence, as mice can climb the fence and leap onto it.

F.A.Q.S