Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Yeah, silicone’s a bit of a frenemy in my house—works great at first, then one winter later it’s flaking off like bad sunburn. I tried mixing in a bead of polyurethane caulk over the silicone in the worst spots and it actually held up better. Not pretty, but neither is mouse poop behind the stove. Sometimes I think those little guys just wait for me to finish patching before they find a new way in...
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Silicone’s definitely a mixed bag—great for flexibility, but it just doesn’t have the staying power in freeze-thaw cycles. I’ve seen it peel off in sheets after a rough winter. Polyurethane is a step up for sure, though it can get messy if you’re not careful. If you’re looking for something a bit more robust (and admittedly, a little unconventional), I’ve had surprising success with copper mesh stuffed into gaps before sealing. Mice hate chewing through it, and it holds up even if the sealant starts to fail.
Another trick I’ve seen work is using expanding foam specifically rated for pest control. It’s not the prettiest, but behind appliances or in crawlspaces, function wins over form every time. Just be careful not to overdo it—foam can expand more than you expect and make a mess.
Honestly, I think part of the battle is just accepting that critters are persistent little architects themselves. They’ll find any weakness. Layering materials—mesh, then caulk or foam—seems to slow them down the most in my experience.
Copper mesh is a game changer, I’ll second that. I’ve also had some luck with steel wool in smaller cracks, but it rusts over time, so copper’s worth the extra bucks.
Couldn’t agree more—just gotta make sure you really jam that mesh in deep before sealing. Learned that the hard way with a particularly ambitious squirrel...Layering materials—mesh, then caulk or foam—seems to slow them down the most in my experience.
That squirrel story hits home—those little guys can be relentless. I’ve found the same thing with copper mesh; if you don’t really wedge it in, they’ll just pull it out or work around it. I tried using expanding foam alone once and, well, let’s just say the mice thought I’d left them a welcome mat. Layering is definitely the way to go, even if it takes a bit more time. Worth it for the peace of mind.
Title: Keeping The Critters Out: Weird But Effective Tricks?
Copper mesh is solid, but yeah, if you don’t jam it in there, squirrels and mice treat it like a puzzle toy. I’ve seen folks just stuff it in loosely and then wonder why they’re still hearing scratching in the walls a week later. Expanding foam by itself is basically a joke—rodents chew right through it. I’ve had better luck with a combo: pack the copper mesh in tight, then seal over it with mortar or even hardware cloth if you can get access. It’s not pretty, but it works.
Curious if anyone’s tried that steel wool mixed with caulk trick? I’ve heard mixed reviews—some say it rusts out too fast, others swear by it. Personally, I stick to hardware cloth for anything bigger than a dime-sized hole. It’s a pain to cut and fit, but once it’s in, nothing’s getting through unless they bring power tools.
One thing I’ll push back on—layering is good, but if you don’t address the attractants (food, water, easy shelter), you’re just playing whack-a-mole. I’ve seen people spend a fortune sealing up every nook and cranny, only to leave bird feeders or pet food out and wonder why the critters keep coming back.
Anyone ever try those ultrasonic repellers? I’m skeptical, but maybe I’m missing something. For me, physical barriers and removing what draws them in has always been the most reliable. If there’s a weird trick that actually works long-term, though, I’d love to hear about it...