How Do I Keep Rodents Or Insects Out Of My Root Cellar?

“I’ve got an older, stone root cellar that I’ve been using for years to store potatoes, onions, and apples. But in the past year, I’ve noticed rats sneaking in, and moths are having a field day with the onions! What can I do to stop these pests without resorting to anything toxic since it’s my food storage? Help! I’m in a bit of a bind here.” Thanks, Sarah, Bedfordshire, UK.

How to Keep Rodents and Insects Out of Your Root Cellar—Practical Tips and Tricks

Ah, Sarah, I hear you! Keeping the creepy crawlies (and those pesky furry intruders) out of your root cellar can sometimes feel like a never-ending battle. Not to fret though, with a few practical steps, you can seal up your root cellar like Fort Knox and ensure your stored veggies stay pest-free.

Let’s dive into some of the methods I’ve personally tried—or learned—from friends who’ve been in the home food storage game for years. From sealing up gaps to creating natural deterrents, there’s a lot we can do to reclaim that space.

1. Start with a Thorough Inspection (and Check the Obvious)

Sometimes, the little things are hiding in plain sight. Before doing anything drastic, grab a good flashlight and go over every inch of the cellar. Look for:

• Cracks and Gaps: Tiny rodent-sized gaps can be as little as 1/4 inch wide! Trust me, it doesn’t take much for a mouse or rat to slither in through a small opening.
• Spaces around doors and windows: Especially with older constructions like yours, Sarah. The shifts in frame work over time can create small gaps.
• Air vents: Many root cellars are ventilated to keep air circulation going—good for veggies, but without proper screening, it’s like inviting critters in for a feast!

Sealing these openings with steel wool or wire mesh can make a world of difference. Rodents can chew through a lot of materials, but they really hate steel wool (and they won’t usually get through it).

2. Seal It Tight—But Maintain Ventilation

Now, Sarah, as much as we want to lock up those little invaders, it’s super important that your root cellar still breathes. The trick is to prevent pests while maintaining proper ventilation for your produce.

Doors and windows: Weatherstripping can help seal around the door while still keeping it easy to open. For windows, adding tight wire mesh screens will let in fresh air but block out the bugs and critters.

Vents: Cover ventilation areas with fine mesh to make sure air flows freely but nothing unwelcome finds its way inside. Opt for something strong, like hardware cloth (a thick wire mesh), because standard household mesh may not hold up long-term to persistent pests.

3. Proper Storage Methods Reduce Exposure

You’ve probably put in a ton of hard work into growing those potatoes and onions, Sarah, so let’s talk next about how we store them. Using the right containers can be a game-changer when it comes to cutting down on where rodents and insects can access your food.

• Use Bins with Tight-Fitting Lids: Store your veggies in sturdy plastic or metal bins with tight lids. Not only does this reduce potential lingering smells (which attract pests), but bins are much harder for mice or insects to get into.
• Keep Produce Off the Ground: Even though it’s tempting to pile up those potatoes right on the cellar floor, raising your produce up on shelves makes it harder for pests like rats and insects to reach them. Also, make sure the shelves are flat against the walls so critters don’t have hiding spots behind them.

4. Set Natural Traps and Repellents

If you’re anything like me, avoiding harsh chemicals near your stored food is probably a priority. Luckily, there’s an arsenal of natural repellents that can help keep pests at bay while also keeping your produce chemical-free.

• Peppermint Oil: Mice absolutely hate it! Douse some cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in corners and near potential entry points. Refresh the cotton balls regularly—about every couple of weeks.
• Diatomaceous Earth: This is a powder made from fossilized remains of aquatic organisms. Sounds weird, I know, but it’s brilliant for keeping insects away! Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your root cellar, especially in any cracks. It’s non-toxic but lethal to bugs, drying them out when they come into contact with it.
• Baking Soda: Surprisingly, this pantry staple helps when it comes to certain unwanted critters like rats. Rats cannot burp (weirdly true fact), so ingestion of baking soda ultimately irritates them without needing anything toxic.

5. Regular Clean-Up is Key

This one may sound basic, but honestly Sarah, tidiness makes a HUGE difference. Bugs and rodents are more likely to invade if there are food scraps or decaying produce laying about.

• Get Rid of Any Rotten Produce ASAP: Rotting food releases gases that attract insects and worms. Keep an eye on your stored goods and remove any that look like they’re going over the edge.
• Vacuum or Sweep Regularly: Even tiny pieces of vegetable scraps can attract unwanted guests. Monthly cleaning can keep things fresher.
• Control Moisture: Too much humidity can lead to decay and is like rolling out the red carpet for pests—especially bugs like ants and gnats. Monitor humidity levels and use a dehumidifier if it gets too damp.

6. Consider Traps for Persistent Rodents or Insects

If you’ve done everything and you’re still seeing signs of pests, it might be time to resort to traps (but of course, nothing toxic since we’re dealing with food storage).

For Rodents:

Good ol’ snap traps baited with cheese or peanut butter might sound old-school, but they still work like a charm. Just be sure to check them often—trust me, you don’t want one sitting there for a while unnoticed.

For Insects:

Sticky traps, which are simple glue boards, are great for catching flying or crawling insects. You can place these near ventilation points or corners where bugs may be sneaking in.

Advanced Tips for Stubborn Infestations

If none of these methods have solved your pest problem, then you may be dealing with a particularly tough infestation. Here’s what else to try:

• Get a Pest-Proof Door: I had a neighbor who replaced the entrance door into her root cellar with a steel door after months of fighting mice coming in through the tiny cracks in the old wood one she had. It’s a bit of a project, but for someone like you, Sarah, with an older stone cellar, it really could make all the difference.
• Redesign Shelving: Another friend of mine had floor-to-ceiling wire shelves installed, and it totally improved rodent control! Keeping everything off the floor and away from direct contact with walls took away access points that rodents typically use. Plus, it makes inspecting your food easier without shifting stacked crates around.

Final Thoughts…

Sarah, it sounds like you’ve got a lovely space for storing your homegrown goodies, but those little pests are certainly finding their way in! Between sealing up gaps, using natural repellents, good storage habits, and adding some non-toxic deterrents, you’ll be well on your way to a pest-free root cellar.

Remember, it’s an ongoing thing. Keep an eye on problem areas, adjust your strategy as needed, and don’t be afraid to experiment with what works best for your space.

Thanks again for sending in your question! I hope these tips help give you peace of mind the next time you head into your cellar to grab those potatoes! ?