How to Keep Mice From Chewing on a Gas Line

Shut off the engine on a vehicle or close the lever on a natural gas line, such as the flexible outdoor pipe connected to a barbecue grill. Inspect the line for damage and replace, if necessary, before using the equipment again. A leaking gas line is a potentially lethal hazard.

Clean up the area where mice congregate. Remove junk, piles of debris, unused lumber and any items where mice could find refuge for hiding.

Pour mothballs into mesh bags and place along the ground on both sides of an outdoor gas line, or spread beneath a parked vehicle, concentrating on the area below the engine and the gas tank at the rear of the vehicle.

Move the vehicle at least once a week during treatment to warm the engine and discourage nesting. If treating an outdoor gas line, ignite the connected appliance, such as a grill or fire pit, and use normally at least once a week. Operating the appliance regularly, as well as the activity around the appliance, discourages mice from nesting.

Add fresh mothballs to the bags as necessary until there is no longer evidence of mice, such as droppings, nesting material or a foul odor. Mothballs gradually evaporate on contact with air.