Susan, Thank you for your comment and question! To protect your stored food from mice, you can create a mouse-proof enclosure using hardware cloth. This material is durable and has small openings that mice can’t get through, but will allow air exchange. Simply build a frame around your food storage area and cover it with the hardware cloth.
For a pet-safe mouse deterrent, you might consider using natural repellents like peppermint oil, which mice dislike. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of your cats. This way, you can keep your food safe without encouraging your cats to use the crawl space as their litter box.

You are welcome, Jean. It takes time to figure out how much we use and what I need to grow in order to last us through winter. It is so nice to be able to rely on other local farmers to fill in the gaps.