How can you drive mice out of a basement? - briefly
Seal all cracks and gaps, install snap traps or bait stations, and eliminate food and water sources. Keep the area dry and regularly inspect for new entry points to prevent recurrence.
How can you drive mice out of a basement? - in detail
Identify and block all ingress points. Inspect walls, floor joists, utility openings, and pipe sleeves for gaps as small as a quarter‑inch. Seal cracks with steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam; install metal flashing over larger openings.
Reduce attractants. Store food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs, and keep garbage in tightly lidded bins. Eliminate standing water and fix any leaks that create damp conditions favorable to rodents.
Deploy trapping devices. Place snap traps or electronic kill traps along walls, behind stored items, and near suspected runways. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent lure. Check traps daily and dispose of captured animals promptly.
Apply bait stations where appropriate. Position tamper‑proof poison blocks in concealed locations, away from children and pets. Rotate active stations every few weeks to prevent bait aversion.
Introduce deterrents. Scatter peppermint oil‑infused cotton balls, mothballs, or ultrasonic emitters in corners and under shelving. Replace or refresh these agents regularly, as their efficacy diminishes over time.
Maintain a clean environment. Vacuum debris, sweep floors, and vacuum vents to remove scent trails that encourage re‑entry.
Consider professional extermination if infestation persists despite these measures. Certified pest‑control operators can conduct thorough inspections, apply rodenticides safely, and provide ongoing monitoring.
Regularly re‑inspect the basement after treatment. Verify that all entry points remain sealed, traps are still functional, and no new signs of activity appear. Consistent vigilance prevents recurrence.