Abstract: A blower (100) may include a housing (110), a motor (120), a fan assembly (170) and an inlet assembly (160). The housing (110) may include a handle (140) operably coupled thereto. The fan assembly (170) may be operably coupled to the motor (120) to force air through a blower tube (150) responsive to operation of the motor (120). The blower tube (150) may define a tube axis (152). The inlet assembly (160) may provide a path for air to the fan assembly (170). The inlet assembly (160) may include an inlet aperture (162) formed at an end of the housing (110). The inlet assembly (160) may further include an inlet mesh (164) disposed within the housing (110) spaced apart from the inlet aperture (162).