Mice Love Hot Tubs
Just mention the word “mouse,” and it can have the same effect as yelling “fire!” in a crowded movie theater. However, instead of stampeding from the hall, you will find women and children (and some men too!) screaming and scrambling to find high ground. Simply put, mice love hot tubs.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…
Cold weather tends to force people indoors, and the longer the winter, the longer the stay. Similarly, rodents of all kinds seek refuge during the colder months. Mice, in particular, prefer a nice warm spot to lay low through the winter, and the hot tub couldn’t be more perfect for them.
Hot Tub Nest?
Yep, the hot tub is warm all winter. The spa pump gives off heat and there is nothing more cozy than the insulation of a hot tub. Mice tend to nest in small dark nooks where they can build their nests and remain warm and dry. The hot tub is perfect. It is completely dry, it provides great warmth and the insulating foam is perfect for burrowing out the perfect mouse haven.
Protect The Spa!
The first thing to do is to inspect inside the cabinet for any mouse activity. Droppings, chewed up foam or wires or anything that looks like a nest are all good indications that there may be an infestation. Mice can pass their entire body through any crevice smaller than their head. If there are any holes, cracks or crevices they should be filled with foam. Any canned insulating foam will do the trick. But, a wire “mesh” to prevent travel in and out is what I prefer. That way heat can still escape from the equipment area for longer equipment life. Mice can cause a considerable amount of damage to the electrical system of your hot tub or pool heater once they establish a home. Chewed wires and damage due to urine is common. Even if your hot tub is not in an area known for mice infestations, it is always best to prevent this rather then to repair the costly problems that occur once mice set up residency in your hot tub or pool heater.
Who’s Hot Tub is it anyway?
If mice are actually living inside your hot tub, catching and disposing them may be a bit tricky. A cat can do the trick nicely, but if purchasing a cat is not an option there are several humane mouse traps on the market. Baits are designed to attract, the last thing you want to do in this case. At Blackthorne, we suggest a rodent guard. A rodent guard is a pre-manufactured perforated metal strip that allows the spa air circulation, but prevents rodents from entering.
Always keeping you informed and aware. Blackthorne Pools & Spas Inc.
With over 40 years experience, Blackthorne Spas is your wellness expert and Central California’s largest hot tub superstore. Specializing in hot tubs, billiards, darts, pools, associated supplies, service, and maintenance. We also supply the largest for sale rubber duck collection in California. Serving Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, parts of Santa Clara County, and San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles. Stop on by if you’re looking for Spas by the Monterey Bay.
