Having mice enter your home through window wells can be a frustrating and unsanitary problem. Fortunately, there are several effective methods you can use to keep mice from getting into your window wells and making their way inside.
Page Contents
What Attracts Mice to Window Wells?
Mice are opportunistic rodents that seek out shelter and food sources. Some of the common reasons mice are drawn to window wells include:
- Access to the interior of your home – Window wells provide a direct route for mice to get inside, out of the cold and find food.
- Nesting sites – The enclosed space of a window well provides shelter for nesting and raising young.
- Food smells – Any food smells that make their way to the window well can lure mice to the area.
- Overgrown vegetation – Tall grass, brush and shrubs around the window well give mice cover and protection.
Block Physical Access
The first step in preventing mice from using your window wells is to block their physical access. This involves sealing up any openings they could use to enter the well and your home.
Use Wire Mesh
Cover the entire window well area with a wire mesh. Stainless steel wire cloth with a 1⁄4 inch grid is ideal. Make sure the mesh extends at least 3 inches above ground level and is securely attached so mice cannot push underneath it.
Caulk Cracks
Caulk around all cracks, crevices and openings in the window well walls and where it meets the foundation. Steel wool can also be pushed into small holes before caulking. This leaves no gaps for mice to squeeze through.
Seal Window Openings
Make sure the space around basement window frames is properly sealed so mice cannot get in between the window and well. Foam sealant or caulk will block any cracks or openings.
Use Gravel
Spreading smooth gravel, rocks or pebbles 2-3 inches deep across the entire bottom of the window well can discourage mice. They do not like walking across uneven or slippery surfaces. Just make sure the well can still drain properly.
Clear Vegetation and Debris
Mice seek shelter in tall grass, shrubs and brush. Keep the area around your window wells clear by:
- Pruning back any nearby plants
- Pulling weeds
- Raking up fallen leaves and twigs
- Keeping mulch and woodpiles at least 3 feet away
Also remove any piles of grass clippings, firewood or other debris mice could hide under.
Use Repellents
There are several types of natural and chemical rodent repellents that can help deter mice from entering window wells including:
Mothballs
The strong scent of mothballs repels mice. Sprinkle mothball flakes or hang mesh bags of mothballs around the inside of window wells. Replace them every few weeks as the smell fades. Just be sure to keep pets and kids away from mothballs.
Ammonia-soaked Rags
Soak some rags in ammonia and place them around the well’s interior. The strong odor drives mice away. Re-wet the rags every few days to maintain effectiveness.
Peppermint Oil
Mice dislike the smell of peppermint. Apply some pure peppermint oil around the upper edges of the well. You can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and leave them in the wells.
Rodent Repellent Sprays
Spray repellent products made with natural ingredients like peppermint, garlic and cinnamon oils around the perimeter and inside of window wells. Avoid using formulas with harmful chemicals.
Use Predator Odors
The scent of their natural predators triggers mice to avoid an area. Some options are:
Fox and Coyote Urine
Apply commercial fox or coyote urine available at gardening stores around the outside of window well openings. The smell instills fear in mice.
Cat and Dog Fur
Place some shed fur from your pet cat or dog in old socks or mesh bags. Position them around the well to scare mice away.
Set Traps
For severe mouse infestations, traps can quickly eliminate the problem rodents. Some effective trapping techniques include:
Snap Traps
Bait lethal snap traps with peanut butter, chocolate or bacon and place them lengthwise across likely mouse runways in the window well. Check traps daily and dispose of dead mice so the smell doesn’t attract more.
Glue Boards
Glue board traps cause no harm to mice but capture them so they can’t enter the home. Put them along window well walls and check daily.
Live Traps
For a humane option, use live cage traps baited with food. After catching mice, release them far away from the home.
Seal Food Entry Points
Eliminate any access mice have to interior food sources by taking these steps:
- Install tight-fitting door sweeps on exterior doors
- Seal cracks around stove and dishwasher exhaust vents
- Cover dryer vents and utility openings with fine mesh
- Repair gaps around interior entry points like pipes and wiring
Keep Interior Clean
Regular cleaning deprives mice of food rewards inside your home. Make sure to:
- Sweep floors
- Vacuum all rooms
- Take out trash and recycling regularly
- Clean dirty dishes right after use
- Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately
Use Natural Predators
Encourage natural mouse predators to frequent your yard to scare away mice from window wells. Deterrents include:
Owls
Mount plastic owl statues near window wells or install owl nesting boxes to make mice cautious.
Snakes
Snakes hunt mice for food. Avoid killing non-venomous snakes and provide cover like wood piles to attract them.
Hawks
Tall posts make ideal perches for hawks to survey for mice. Put up a 6-8 foot drying pole or similar post.
Block Off Window Wells
If mice persist in entering despite other methods, temporarily seal off window wells with:
- Rigid foam insulation boards
- Fiberglass window well covers
- Plywood cut to fit over the well opening
Remove the seals during warmer months to provide ventilation into basements.
Conclusion
Unwanted mice in window wells can be prevented with some diligence. Block their access, make the area inhospitable and keep your home clean and free of food sources. Persistent mice may need trapping or window well barriers. Combining several of these defensive measures will convince mice your window wells are not worth the effort.