How to get rid of mice in the cellar that gnaw potatoes? - briefly
Seal all cracks and gaps, place snap or humane traps close to the potatoes, and store the tubers in rodent‑proof containers. Eliminate food residues and keep the cellar dry to prevent a recurrence.
How to get rid of mice in the cellar that gnaw potatoes? - in detail
Rodents in a basement can cause serious loss of stored potatoes. Effective control requires a combination of sanitation, exclusion, trapping, and monitoring.
First, remove any food sources that attract the pests. Store potatoes in sealed, pest‑proof containers such as heavy‑wall plastic bins with tight‑fitting lids. Clean the floor and walls thoroughly, sweeping away debris, spilled grain, and droppings. Dispose of waste in sealed bags and empty trash regularly.
Second, block entry points. Inspect walls, floors, and pipe penetrations for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Seal cracks with steel wool followed by caulking, or use cement mortar for larger openings. Install metal flashing around doors and vents, and ensure the cellar door fits tightly with a weather‑stripping seal.
Third, deploy traps. Choose snap traps or electric traps for immediate kill, placing them along walls, behind boxes, and near known gnaw marks. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or a small piece of potato. Set at least five traps per 100 sq ft, spacing them 3–4 ft apart. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents promptly.
Fourth, consider baits and rodenticides only when other methods fail. Use anticoagulant pellets in tamper‑resistant stations, positioning them away from children, pets, and food storage areas. Follow label instructions precisely and monitor for secondary poisoning.
Fifth, maintain ongoing vigilance. Conduct weekly inspections for new gnaw marks, droppings, or fresh damage. Re‑seal any newly discovered openings. Rotate trap locations periodically to prevent trap avoidance.
By integrating sanitation, physical barriers, targeted trapping, and, if necessary, controlled use of rodenticides, a cellar can be kept free of rodents that damage potatoes.