Garden expert Peter Dowdall advises on mouse prevention for summer homes

Peter Dowdall, a gardening specialist with three decades of experience, explained that mice become most active at the start of summer, with July seeing many young mice leave nests to find new territories. He emphasized that keeping gardens clean and eliminating three attractants—food, water, and shelter—are the most effective ways to deter them. Dowdall warned that there is no instant “miracle” solution, and that prevention hinges on proper hygiene.

In addition to pest control, Dowdall offered guidance for watering plants during hot weather, recommending deep watering in the early morning or late afternoon rather than frequent shallow watering at midday. He advised focusing care on newly planted shrubs and trees whose root systems are still developing.