How can a cellar be treated to eliminate mice? - briefly
Seal all cracks, gaps, and utility openings; install snap or electronic traps and, where permitted, place EPA‑approved rodenticide in tamper‑resistant stations; keep the space dry, clutter‑free, and regularly inspected to prevent recurrence.
How can a cellar be treated to eliminate mice? - in detail
A thorough approach to eradicating rodents from a basement requires sequential actions that address entry, attraction, and elimination.
First, inspect the structure for gaps. Examine walls, floor joists, utility penetrations, and ventilation openings. Seal all openings larger than ¼ inch with steel wool, cement, or metal flashing. Use expanding foam only where steel reinforcement is unnecessary, as foam alone can be chewed.
Second, eliminate food and water sources. Store all consumables in airtight containers. Remove standing water, repair leaks, and install a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50 percent, discouraging nesting.
Third, deploy mechanical capture devices. Place snap traps along walls, behind stored items, and near identified runways. Use baits such as peanut butter or dried fruit, positioned at the rear of the trap to ensure contact. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents in sealed bags.
Fourth, consider poison baits only when other methods fail. Choose anticoagulant blocks or pellets with proven efficacy, place them in tamper‑resistant stations, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Rotate active ingredients every 30 days to prevent resistance.
Fifth, integrate biological control. Install a small, enclosed habitat for predatory insects such as beetles that feed on rodent eggs, or employ professional ferret services where legal.
Sixth, maintain ongoing surveillance. Install motion‑activated cameras or infrared sensors to confirm activity levels. Record sightings, trap catches, and bait consumption to evaluate progress.
Finally, schedule periodic re‑inspection. After a month of no activity, repeat sealing of any new gaps and continue sanitation practices to prevent re‑infestation. Consistent application of these steps yields long‑term rodent‑free conditions in subterranean spaces.