How can you drive mice out of a cellar? - briefly
Seal all gaps and cracks, place snap or live‑catch traps along walls, and apply rodent‑repellent devices or natural deterrents such as peppermint oil.
How can you drive mice out of a cellar? - in detail
Mice enter a cellar because food, water, and shelter are readily available. Eliminate these incentives and block access points to force the rodents out.
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Remove attractants
- Store all food in sealed containers; clean up crumbs and spills.
- Fix leaking pipes, dry damp areas, and improve ventilation to reduce humidity.
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Seal entry routes
- Inspect walls, floors, and foundation for gaps larger than ¼ inch.
- Fill openings with steel wool, concrete, or expanding foam; apply metal flashing where needed.
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Set mechanical traps
- Place snap traps along walls, behind objects, and near known runways.
- Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit; check and reset traps daily.
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Employ live-catch devices
- Position humane cages in high‑traffic zones.
- Release captured mice at least 2 miles from the property to prevent return.
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Apply repellents
- Distribute cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil or use commercial ultrasonic emitters.
- Replace repellents regularly, as effectiveness diminishes over time.
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Introduce natural predators
- Encourage owls or hawks by installing nesting boxes on the property.
- Consider a cat with controlled indoor access if appropriate.
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Professional pest‑control intervention
- Contact licensed exterminators for extensive infestations.
- Request integrated pest‑management plans that combine exclusion, trapping, and monitoring.
Maintain a routine inspection schedule: verify that seals remain intact, replace trap bait, and keep the cellar clean. Consistent application of these measures will remove the current population and prevent future invasions.