Rodent Control in Black Forest

Black Forest is an unincorporated community north of Colorado Springs, named for its dense stand of ponderosa pine and sitting at about 7,369 feet. Most of it was zoned in 1965 for five-acre minimum lots, and even with newer subdivisions it keeps a rural feel.

In June 2013 the Black Forest Fire burned about 15,500 acres and destroyed 511 buildings. Rebuilding and new construction since have changed a lot of properties, but the pines, the acreage and the outbuildings are still the story here.

Deer mice and the cold

At over 7,000 feet, it runs colder than town. Deer mice that live in the grass and pine litter move into garages, sheds, crawl spaces and houses as it gets cold. Because they can carry hantavirus, cleanup in a shed or barn should follow the CDC's steps: air the building out for 30 minutes first, wear gloves, and soak droppings with disinfectant instead of sweeping. Deer mouse control has the details.

Barns, sheds and workshops

Five acres usually means more than one building. Feed rooms, hay storage and workshops give mice and pack rats food and shelter with nobody around at night. That's where most problems start before they reach the house. Barns, sheds and outbuildings covers feed storage and a property-wide plan.

• Feed and grain in metal bins with lids
• Hay on pallets, away from walls
• Firewood stacked off the ground, away from the house
• Vehicles and equipment checked for nests

Woodpiles, decks and crawl spaces

Woodpiles are part of life up here, and mice and woodrats love them. Keep the pile away from the house and up off the ground. Check under decks and around crawl space vents and doors. If you find a nest of sticks and chewed material, see pack rat removal.

Landmarks and roads: Black Forest Regional Park · Shoup Road · Highway 83

Nearby areas: Briargate, Rockrimmon, Monument and Tri-Lakes, Falcon and Peyton, Broadmoor and Cheyenne Cañon, Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and the West Side, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Powers and Stetson Hills.