How can you protect apples in the cellar from mice? - briefly
Block all cracks, gaps, and openings in the cellar and keep the fruit in sealed, rodent‑proof containers. Use snap traps or ultrasonic repellents to eliminate any mice that manage to enter.
How can you protect apples in the cellar from mice? - in detail
Storing fruit underground invites rodent damage; effective protection requires a combination of exclusion, sanitation, and active control.
- Seal all entry points with steel wool, copper mesh, or concrete; rodents can gnaw through softer materials.
- Install solid shelving or metal racks that keep apples off the floor; elevation prevents direct contact with any remaining pests.
- Maintain a clean environment: remove debris, spillages, and expired produce weekly; food residues attract mice.
- Deploy snap traps or electronic kill devices along walls and near known travel routes; position bait far from the fruit to avoid accidental capture.
- Use non‑toxic repellents such as peppermint oil or ultrasonic emitters; replace or recharge them according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Monitor regularly: inspect traps, check for fresh droppings, and verify that barriers remain intact.
Physical barriers form the first line of defense; without a sealed perimeter, other measures lose effectiveness. Sanitation reduces attractants, limiting the incentive for rodents to enter. Traps and repellents provide immediate population control, while routine inspection ensures early detection of breaches. Combining these practices secures cellar‑stored apples against mouse damage over the long term.