Venting a root cellar

[MontanaKJ]

Our new root cellar is complete. It is a cinderblock design built into the hillside and then backfilled. A 4" ventilation pipe is cemented into the ceiling for hot air release, but for the cold air intake, my DH thought that turning 1 block on it's side and using the natural opening in the block was a good option. This actually is working very well. The problem is keeping the small critters from using this opening as an entrance to the stored items.

Does anyone have an idea of how to create a cover for the cold air intake to keep the mice and snakes out of my root cellar without losing the venting?

[mossywyatt]

cover with hardware cloth

[Bearfootfarm]

Use 1/4" hardware cloth, because mice don't even slow down going through 1/2"

[oneokie]

Use 1/8" hardware cloth to keep flying insects out. This size will also keep many crawling insects out.

[MontanaKJ]

Thank you for the quick replies. This makes sense, but how do I attach it to the cinder block. And should I do it inside & out, or is 1 layer enough?

[Bearfootfarm]

how do I attach it to the cinder block

Cut your wire to size, and mount it with masonry screws

Some wooden frames might make it easier.

I'd mount them inside

[Helena]

Maybe even put a little rat bait around the opening also...or "rent" a cat..I just happen to have a "few" you could rant... That iis one of the things I would have loved to had ..had on our homestead..Good Luck !!

[Farmerwilly2]

For anyone else wanting to set up this way, put the wire over the block before you lay it so the edges are secured in the mortar joint.

[HeelSpur]

Hardware cloth is great, especially when its a dollar a roll at a yardsale.

[wy_white_wolf]

I'd mortar in a piece of vent pipe into the block. Then you can stick a screened cap on it. This would also raise it above ground level so snow doesn't cover it up this winter.