Mice in the basement is by far the most common symptom of mice found in homes. The reason is that there are just so many areas where they can get in. Mice are small and agile. In fact, in order to get into a home they only need a hole the diameter of a pencil. However, what if they walked right through the door. That’s the case with many basements in CT.

In the field of pest management we’re taught that mice get into common places. These areas are typically man made holes that bring a utility from outside to inside. Areas such as oil fill line holes, ac condenser holes and electric utilities are three that come to mind.

Mice will walk right into your home

It may seem obvious after I say it, but the bulk head door leading into basements is a highway into homes in CT. It’s also the last hole to be plugged because there is no easy way to do it.

Basement door repair, replacement or plugging to prevent mice. Which is best?

Mice in basement — An old door that needs replacement because mice are walking right in

There is an easy answer to this question in some cases, but not in others. For example, the wood door to the left clearly needs to be replaced. The replacement decision has a lot to do with how much it will cost. Some homes will require digging and removal of siding and new framing. Not everyone can afford the $4000-$7000 it will cost to replace with a more modern alternative.

Even a new basement door can let mice in

You’d think that a door that is 5 years old would do the trick, but it didn’t. The picture to the

right was taken from a current pest control customer in Oxford, CT.

The answer to keeping mice out

The least intrusive way to block these areas is with pipe insulation. It can be purchased at any hardware store, cut to size and placed in the gaps. Mice most certainly can chew through, but Envirocare Pest Control has used this method enough times to know that it can work. This works best with newer doors.

The next best way to block mice from walking right through the basement bulkhead door is to install a new door at the bottom. This installation will cost a quarter of what a new bulk head door would cost.

Once complete make sure that it has a door sweep at the bottom and the frame is snug on the remaining sides. You’ll still have mice getting through the bulk head, but they’ll have no way to get into the basement. Mice can then be easily trapped in this smaller area.

Now, what about the mice who’ve already gotten inside?

If you have mice and need mouse extermination call 1-888-879-6481. Envirocare Pest Control can help.