Located: SW Michigan
Built : 2015
Unfinished basement with gas furnace and water heater located nearby
Radon testing not done when purchased in fall 2024
We have this vent to the outside in our basement in the first photo and the second photo is what the vent looks like from the outside, louvered cover, off the ground. In the winter, some cold air will come in, but it’s generally not too uncomfortable down there in the winter time. We do get occasional mice that I have traps set out for, but the traps are not sprung where this vent is located, but are sprung in another area of the basement.
What is this vent for and do I need it? I’m wondering if it’s something that we can close off to help mitigate if any mice are crawling through there. But the cover on the outside is decent size off the ground but I think the mesh is big enough for mice to get in, but they’re not being trapped in that area.
I need to seal up entry points for the mice and I’m trying to determine if this area needs to be closed off first. I appreciate any assistance.
Update: the home has a dedicated laundry room on the 3rd floor. The builder (a mass producer) does not build laundry areas in the basements. I appreciate everyone’s input. Thank you internet strangers!