Sealing old coal hatch from mice (etc)

Hi all – we have an old coal hatch just under our stoop and it’s not well-sealed at all (basically just a roughly 2×2 metal plate that you can lift up). We don’t get water in the cellar from it b/c it’s under the stoop (protected from rain), but enough gaps that we do get leaves and other debris. We’ve thankfully not had issues with rats or mice in the past b/c we had several feral cats in the neighborhood, but those cats are gone now and the rodents seem to have moved in. We need to seal the hatch before it gets cold enough that our basement starts looking like a good winter home 🙂 Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

empathie00

in General Discussion 7 years and 10 months ago

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EJR | 7 years and 10 months ago

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The various stone masons recommended on this board for stoop repairs/facade work/sidewalk repair would probably be able to seal it with concrete if you are looking for a permanent solution.

empathie00 | 7 years and 10 months ago

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hah, thanks Bob… we do have a cat but he’s afraid of mice 🙂 And while I agree there are likely other entry points, this is a really obvious one that may as well have a “Rodents Welcome” sign on it so just thinking best to seal it up. Plus it’s freezing in the cellar in the winter b/c the hatch is so loose.

BobMarvin | 7 years and 10 months ago

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There are lots of other entry points for mice, so, IMO, sealing the hatch is futile. If the feral cats controlled them previously you might consider getting a cat of your own. Even a tiny kitten is a powerful disincentive to mice.