Quick Answer
To keep pests out of your root cellar effectively, use a combination of proper design, sealing, and exclusion techniques. This can include features such as hardware cloth, screening, and tight-fitting doors. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the root cellar is also crucial.
Designing Pests Out
When designing your root cellar, consider features that prevent pest entry. A minimum 8-inch thick earth bunker with a solid roof can help keep out rodents and other pests. The walls and ceiling should be constructed from durable materials such as concrete, brick, or earthbags. Avoid using organic materials like wood, which can be vulnerable to pest damage.
Sealing the Gaps
Sealing any gaps or openings around doors, vents, and pipes is crucial to preventing pest entry. Use materials like caulk, spray foam, or expanding foam to seal any cracks or crevices. Hardware cloth, a metal mesh material, can be used to cover vents and other openings to prevent pest entry. Install a tight-fitting door with a secure latch or locking mechanism to prevent unwanted visitors.
Exclusion Techniques
In addition to design and sealing, exclusion techniques can be used to keep pests out of your root cellar. Install a 1/4-inch hardware cloth screen over the entrance to the root cellar, securing it with wire or a staple gun. Bury the screen 12 inches deep around the entrance to prevent burrowing by pests. Use a 1-inch diameter rodent guard to cover any pipes or conduit entering the root cellar, preventing rodents from using them as entry points.
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