Q – We have mice in the basement. Just when I think I have rid myself of them they come back. There is "evidence" that they have made it to the first floor too.

Help!

Jodi in Tucker

A – Eeeeeek. Mice. 

The good news is that if you seal all the entry points the mice won’t get into your house. The bad news is that a mouse can fit through any hole quarter size and larger. Sometimes and smaller.

Here are a few tips towards sealing.

Never use expanding spray foam to seal entry holes. Mice are gnawers, if that is a word. They will chew right through the foam. (However, foaming will keep out other pests such as roaches and assorted other creepy crawly things.)

Professional pest control companies will use galvanized metal and/or concrete caulk to seal entry points. Check places like the threshold on the exterior basement door, outside air conditioning lines and where they come into the house for openings. Sometimes there can be a gap between the siding and foundation.

Loose fitting doors that lead into crawlspaces are an excellent entry point. Once they get into your basement or crawlspace, plumbing openings can allow them to travel from floor to floor.

Btw – you did use the word 'evidence' correctly. That is what mice always leave behind – evidence. Very nice.

Using bait boxes around the perimeter of your basement will also help keep your basement mice from advancing up to higher floors.

I find bait boxes, or glue boxes to be a fairly simple way to catch a mouse. Once stuck inside the box you simply throw the entire box away. It’s not nearly as gross as a mouse trap which often leaves a mangled mouse which can be a little disgusting to handle.

If it makes you feel any better totally sealing your house to keep the mice out can be very, very difficult. Stay on it though and you will eventually prevail.