How to get rid of mice in a cellar? - briefly
Seal all gaps and cracks, install snap or live traps with appropriate bait, and keep the cellar clean of food debris. Conduct regular inspections and eliminate attractants to prevent future infestations.
How to get rid of mice in a cellar? - in detail
Eliminating rodents from a cellar requires a systematic approach that combines prevention, removal, and ongoing monitoring.
First, assess the environment. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and pathways along walls, pipes, and stored items. Identify every opening larger than ¼ inch, including cracks, vents, utility penetrations, and gaps around doors. Seal these openings with steel wool, cement, or metal flashing; steel wool alone is insufficient because mice can chew through it.
Second, reduce attractants. Remove food sources by storing grain, pet food, and waste in airtight containers. Clean spills promptly, sweep debris, and keep the cellar dry; moisture draws rodents and supports their nesting material.
Third, deploy removal devices. Choose a combination of the following:
- Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the wall, placed near active runways.
- Electronic traps that deliver a rapid shock, useful for quick kill and easy disposal.
- Live‑capture cages baited with peanut butter, cheese, or sunflower seeds; release captured animals at least 5 m from the building.
Set traps in the late afternoon, check them early each morning, and replace bait as needed. Use a minimum of three traps per identified runway to increase capture probability.
Fourth, consider bait stations only when other methods fail. Use rodenticides in tamper‑proof stations, placed away from non‑target species and human traffic. Follow label instructions, wear protective gloves, and keep children and pets out of the area.
Fifth, maintain vigilance. After the initial clearance, continue weekly inspections for new gnaw marks or droppings. Re‑seal any fresh gaps that appear due to settling or moisture. Rotate trap locations to cover any residual activity.
Finally, if infestations persist despite these measures, engage a licensed pest‑control professional. They can conduct a thorough inspection, apply specialized baits, and provide a long‑term management plan.
By following inspection, exclusion, sanitation, trapping, and monitoring steps, the cellar can be rendered inhospitable to mice, preventing re‑infestation.