What should I do if there are mice in the basement?

What should I do if there are mice in the basement? - briefly

Inspect the basement, seal all entry points, remove food sources, and place snap traps or bait stations, checking them frequently. If the problem continues, hire a licensed pest‑control professional.

What should I do if there are mice in the basement? - in detail

Discovering rodents in a cellar requires immediate, systematic action. Begin with a thorough inspection to locate activity signs—droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and pathways. Follow the inspection with these steps:

1. Eliminate food sources

   • Store all food in airtight containers.
   • Remove pet food overnight.
   • Clean spills and crumbs promptly.

2. Seal entry points

   • Examine walls, foundation, pipes, and vents for gaps as small as a quarter‑inch.
   • Use steel wool combined with expanding foam or cement to block openings.
   • Install door sweeps and weather stripping on basement doors.

3. Deploy control devices

   • Place snap traps along walls where droppings are concentrated; position them perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end facing the wall.
   • For larger infestations, consider electronic or live‑catch traps, ensuring humane disposal.
   • Bait stations should contain anticoagulant or bromadiolone pellets, positioned out of reach of children and pets; follow label instructions for placement density (approximately one bait per 100 sq ft).

4. Maintain sanitation

   • Vacuum or sweep debris daily.
   • Dispose of waste in sealed bags.
   • Keep the basement dry; fix any leaks, and use a dehumidifier if humidity exceeds 50 %.

5. Monitor and adjust

   • Check traps every 24 hours, replace baits as needed, and record capture locations.
   • Continue surveillance for at least two weeks after the last capture to confirm eradication.

6. Consider professional assistance

   • If activity persists despite these measures, contact a licensed pest‑control operator.
   • Professionals can perform structural assessments, apply rodenticides safely, and provide a long‑term exclusion plan.

Following this protocol eliminates the current infestation and reduces the likelihood of future rodent intrusion.