How can you get rid of mice in a cellar? - briefly
Seal all cracks, eliminate food sources, and maintain a dry environment to deny shelter. Deploy snap traps or bait stations, inspect and reset them regularly until rodent activity ceases.
How can you get rid of mice in a cellar? - in detail
Eliminating rodents from a basement requires a systematic approach that combines exclusion, population reduction, and sanitation.
First, identify and block all possible entry points. Inspect walls, floors, and the foundation for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or concrete to seal cracks; install metal flashing around utility penetrations. Doors and windows should have tight-fitting sweeps and screens.
Second, reduce the existing population. Choose one or more of the following methods:
- Snap traps: Place at least one trap per 10 sq ft along walls, behind stored items, and near known activity zones. Use a bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit. Check daily and replace as needed.
- Live‑catch traps: Useful when removal without killing is required. Release captured mice at least 2 miles from the property to prevent re‑entry.
- Electronic traps: Deliver a rapid, humane shock. Position similarly to snap traps.
- Bait stations: Contain anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides in tamper‑proof containers. Follow label instructions, wear gloves, and keep away from children and pets.
Third, improve sanitation to make the environment unattractive. Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills immediately, and remove clutter that provides shelter. Dispose of garbage regularly and keep trash cans closed.
Fourth, consider natural deterrents. Deploy ultrasonic repellents or release predatory cats, but recognize that these measures alone rarely achieve full control.
Finally, monitor progress. Keep a log of trap captures, inspect for fresh gnaw marks, and re‑evaluate sealing work every month. If activity persists after several weeks, repeat the exclusion and trapping cycle or consult a professional pest‑management service for advanced options such as fumigation or targeted bait placement.