Keeping the Mice at Bay

Photo: alexas_fotos-mouse from pixabay

Advice from the Guild

Question: Our church has a beautiful set of 4 embroidered Altar frontals . They are in regular use throughout the church year. Could advise us on the best method of storage? We are having a lot of problems with mice and need a secure barrier to keep them out.

Answer:

This is a common problem in churches.

Storing church altar frontals to protect them from mice requires creating a physical barrier between the textiles and the rodents, as they are drawn to fabrics for nesting. The most effective methods involve rigid, sealed storage rather than relying solely on repellents.

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1. Rodent-Proof Containers (Best Protection)
   • Metal Storage: Use large, vintage, or modern metal filing cabinets, metal trunks, or old chest freezers (with locks removed for safety). Metal is the most reliable material as mice cannot chew through it.
     Thick Plastic Bins: Use heavy-duty plastic totes with thick walls and secure, latching lids (e.g., black bins with yellow lids).
     Seal Weak Spots: Inspect all containers for gaps, especially around handles or corners. Seal any holes with steel wool or, for long-term protection, with metal mesh. YouTube +4
2. Physical Protective Measures
   • Wrap in Acid-Free Tissue: Before putting them in a container, wrap frontals in acid-free tissue paper to protect them from both rodents and environmental damage.
   • Rolled Storage: Roll large frontals around sturdy tubes (like PVC piping) and cover them with a cotton garment bag to prevent crushing and make them less accessible than folded piles.
   • Elevate Containers: Store all bins at least 6 inches off the ground on shelves or pallets, as mice prefer to travel along walls and floor edges.
3. Creating a Hostile Environment
   • Natural Repellents: Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil inside the storage containers. Reapply every 2-3 weeks, as the scent fades.
   • Dryer Sheets: Pack storage containers with dryer sheets, which mice generally avoid.
   • Desiccants: Include silica gel packets (or non-toxic silica kitty litter) to keep the storage area dry, as mice are less attracted to dry, low-humidity environments.
4. Long-Term Storage Maintenance
   • Clean Before Storage: Ensure all items are thoroughly cleaned, as dirty textiles attract moths and beetles in addition to rodents.
   • Regular Inspection: Check the stored items regularly for signs of droppings, nesting material, or holes.
   • Seal the Room: If the storage room itself has gaps, seal entry points with steel wool, copper mesh, or metal-reinforced foam.
   • Do Not Use: Cardboard boxes, thin plastic containers, or fabric bags for long-term storage, as these offer no protection against mice.

Make sure the temperature is even , the atmosphere dry and they are sealed away from sunlight.