Mice in the cellar—what should you do? - briefly
Place traps (humane or snap) and immediately seal any cracks, gaps, or openings while eliminating food and water sources; then clean the area thoroughly and consider professional pest control if the problem persists.
Mice in the cellar—what should you do? - in detail
Rodent intrusion in a basement requires a systematic response. Begin with a thorough inspection to locate entry points, nesting sites, and food sources. Look for gnaw marks, droppings, and grease trails along walls, pipes, and stored items.
Identify and eliminate attractants. Store food in sealed containers, remove pet waste promptly, and keep the area dry. Repair leaks, seal cracks larger than ¼ inch, and install metal flashing around utility penetrations.
Implement control measures in the following order:
- Exclusion – Fit steel wool or copper mesh in gaps, apply expanding foam formulated for pest sealing, and install door sweeps.
- Trapping – Place snap traps or electronic devices along walls, behind objects, and near discovered runways. Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit; position traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end facing the wall.
- Sanitation – Remove clutter, vacuum droppings with a HEPA‑rated filter, and disinfect surfaces with a 1 % bleach solution.
- Monitoring – Check traps daily, record captures, and adjust placement as activity shifts.
- Professional assistance – If infestation persists after three weeks of consistent effort, contact a licensed pest control operator for bait stations or rodenticide application under regulated conditions.
Maintain ongoing prevention by conducting quarterly inspections, reinforcing sealed openings after renovations, and keeping humidity below 50 % with a dehumidifier. Consistent application of these steps reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation and protects structural integrity.