How are mice getting in the basement? It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked by homeowners. If you’ve read the articles in our blog I’ve detailed many of the areas to start looking. However, there is one area that is often overlooked, the basement door or hatch to the outside. If you want to know how mice are getting in. Don’t skip this area.
Your basement hatch is a mouse door too
As the weather gets colder our phones ring and people want to know how mice are getting in the basement. The reason is that once they’re inside finding their way to the kitchen is relatively easy. We’ve documented all the main areas mice get inside in other posts, but we typically stay away from the area we’re going to mention. The reason is that there isn’t a great way to stop it.
Mice belong outside!
The typical basement hatch doesn’t really seal all that great. The problem as you can see below is that anywhere you can see daylight a mice can get into the basement.
As a company we’ve experimented with two basic methods of exclusion over the years. The first is to install another door at the base of the stairs leading into the basement. This method is very successful so long as the door is tight on all sides and has a door sweep. Coincidently, its also the most expensive.
Next, the areas where you see daylight can be stuffed with pipe insulation. While the mice can and will chew through this, it works well as a bandage.
In the end, what most people do once they figure out how mice are getting in the basement is a combination of all methods. This includes a thorough inspection of the home both inside and out as well as the use of traps, baits and exclusion
Finding the right contractor to help
You’ll likely need a carpenter to help install permanent solutions like doors and fix damaged areas mice may be getting in, but after this you’ll need pest control. A company like Envirocare Pest Control can help identify areas most contractors will miss. Our company can seal these areas of the home which may offer a permanent solution to your mouse problem.
If you or someone you know needs pest control for mice or other pests Envirocare Pest Control can help. We can be reached at 1-888-879-6481.