What will help with mice in a cellar? - briefly
Seal cracks and gaps with steel wool and caulk, then place snap or live traps baited with peanut butter, and use rodenticide bait stations if the infestation is severe. Keep the cellar dry and free of food debris to prevent re‑infestation.
What will help with mice in a cellar? - in detail
Rodent activity in a basement can be reduced by combining exclusion, sanitation, and control tactics.
First, identify and seal every possible entry. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or cement‑based sealant to close holes around pipes, vents, and utility penetrations. Install door sweeps and weather‑stripping on exterior doors to eliminate gaps at the threshold.
Second, remove food sources and shelter. Store bulk items in airtight containers, keep garbage in sealed bins, and clean up spilled grains or pet food promptly. Reduce clutter by storing boxes on pallets away from walls, allowing easy inspection and preventing nesting sites.
Third, deploy mechanical devices. Snap traps positioned along walls, behind appliances, and near known runways provide immediate capture. For continuous monitoring, place live‑catch traps and check them daily; release captured mice at least one mile from the property.
Fourth, apply chemical baits responsibly. Place anticoagulant or bromethalin blocks in tamper‑resistant stations, away from children and pets. Rotate active ingredients every few weeks to prevent resistance.
Fifth, consider biological deterrents. Install ultrasonic emitters or release predatory cats in adjacent areas; effectiveness varies, so use as supplemental measures only.
Sixth, maintain moisture control. Repair leaking pipes, improve ventilation, and use dehumidifiers to keep relative humidity below 50 %. Dry conditions discourage nesting and reduce food availability.
Seventh, schedule periodic inspections. Conduct visual checks quarterly, focusing on previously sealed openings and trap locations. Document findings and adjust strategies as needed.
Finally, if infestation persists despite these actions, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. They can perform advanced sealing, apply professional‑grade baits, and provide a tailored eradication plan.
By systematically addressing entry points, food and water sources, and employing appropriate traps and baits, a basement can be rendered inhospitable to mice.