Accordingt to the product label for Generation Mini Blocks (which is similar for any rodenticides): "Apply bait in locations out of reach of children, pets, domestic animals, and nontarget wildlife, or in tamper-resistant bait stations.These stations must be resistant to destruction by dogs and children under six years of age, and must be used in a manner that prevents such children from reaching into bait compartments and obtaining bait. If bait can be shaken from stations when they are lifted, units must be secured or otherwise immobilized. Even stronger bait stations are needed in areas open to hoofed livestock, raccoons, bears, other potentially destructive animals, or in areas prone to vandalism. Bait stations are mandatory for outdoor, above-ground use. Tamper-resistant bait stations must be used if children, pets, non-target mammals, or birds may access the bait." We always recommend securing bait in bait stations to protect the bait from being translocated and from non-target animals and people. If rodents move bait, then you have no way of monitoring bait placements for rodent activity. Baits have active ingredients that can be harmful to humans, so we would never recommend using baits openly around personal belongings. Keep in mind, also, that bait contains food ingredients that will spoil over time, so old bait placements need to be removed so that they do not cause secondary problems such as insect infestations. So, you can legally use the bait in the basement area, but we would always recommend securing the bait, and it must be used in bait stations any time there is possible exposure to non-target animals or people. We recommend to use traps for rodents indoors so that you can easily identify and remove dead rodents. There is no guarantee that you will be able to find rodents that have eaten and died from baits, so you could end up with secondary problems such as bad odors or insect infestations. Please take a few moments to review our Mouse Treatment Guide for additional tips and information.