How can I fight mice in the cellar? - briefly
Seal all cracks and openings, eliminate food and water sources, and place snap traps or electronic bait stations where mouse activity is evident. Keep the area dry, regularly inspect for signs of new intrusion, and repeat these measures until no further evidence appears.
How can I fight mice in the cellar? - in detail
Rodents in a basement require a systematic approach that combines inspection, exclusion, sanitation, and control methods.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Identify entry points such as gaps around utility pipes, cracks in foundation walls, and unsealed openings under doors. Measure each opening and record its dimensions to determine the appropriate sealing material.
Seal all access routes. Use steel wool or copper mesh backed by caulk for small gaps, and install hardware‑cloth or metal flashing for larger cracks. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and check that vent covers are fitted with fine mesh screens.
Reduce attractants. Store food in airtight containers, keep garbage in sealed bins, and eliminate standing water. Remove clutter, especially cardboard boxes and fabric piles, which provide nesting material.
Deploy trapping devices. Choose snap traps for immediate kill, placing them perpendicular to walls with the trigger end facing the wall. Position traps 1–2 feet from identified pathways, spacing them 5–10 feet apart. For monitoring, use live‑catch traps with bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit; release captured mice at least 2 miles from the property.
Apply bait stations only when necessary and in compliance with local regulations. Use anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides in tamper‑proof stations, positioning them away from children, pets, and non‑target wildlife. Replace stations regularly and record consumption.
Maintain ongoing surveillance. Inspect traps and stations weekly, replenish bait, and re‑examine sealed points for new damage. Keep a log of activity to assess trend and effectiveness.
If infestations persist despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control professional. They can perform advanced diagnostics, apply targeted baits, and provide long‑term management plans.
Consistent execution of inspection, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and, when required, chemical control will reduce and ultimately eliminate rodent presence in a cellar.