We moved into our 1984 house last week, and today I encountered mice in the basement. One was dead already, and one was as soon as my foot landed on its head. I don't think this is a major problem with this house, as there were no signs of previous visits by rodents. They were in the laundry room, and I deduce that they must have been surfacing through the drain (just a 6" hole in the floor) into which the drain pipes for the washing machine and furnace/AC go. Those pipes don't go down too far, so my original idea of filling the hole with expanding foam might not be wise - might block the pipes.
Strange thing was, the floor was a little wet, and it was clear that some water had also surfaced (the washing machine had just been on). I wonder whether there is a slight blockage, or whether the mice could have caused a temporary blockage on their way up.
I've got Terminix coming round tomorrow, but not sure if they will be able to deal with my main concern - blocking the hole somehow so the buggers can no longer get up. If I don't deal with this tangibly, quickly, my wife will refuse to do the laundry....
Any help gratefully received.
TIA
Mat