How to Keep Mice Out of a Desk

Mice may be cute, but you still don't want them in your desk drawer.

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Mice just love to run rampant at the workplace. They especially enjoy deep, dark desk drawers. Sure, the furry critters may be cute, but they may also destroy irreplaceable notes, leave a trail of excrement and eat all the pecans you need for lunch. It takes a little discernment, and a few simple steps, to keep mice out of a desk.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Airtight metal containers
Binders or plastic folders
Organizational skills

Step1

Give your desk a thorough cleaning. This means pulling out, and even dumping out, all drawers, crevices and files.

Step2

Throw out anything that has been touched by mice. Even one chew mark should make the item history. If it something you cannot throw away, clean it thoroughly and hope for the best when you restock it.

Step3

Put items back in your desk, making sure they are mice-proofed to the best of your ability. This means making paper piles unattractive by thinning them out and placing them in plastic binders or folders that are harder to chew. Any food items must be in sealed metal containers.

Step4

Keep up the diligent organization. At least once a week, at least thumb through every area of our desk to make sure the beasties have not returned. If they have, repeat the process and double your efforts.

Step5

Use glue traps if absolutely necessary. Yes, they are killing machines and make you sad when a mouse gets trapped. But yes, they are sometimes needed.

Tips & Warnings

Storage tins need not be fancy, just something the critters can’t chew through. Find the containers at dollar stores.
Those stupid cookie tins you never know what to do with and receive during the holidays make for great mice-proof storage for larger items.
Candy is a big draw, even if it’s never been opened.
Make sure to thoroughly remove any trace of excrement, otherwise the territory is marked for them to return.