Funny how rodents seem to see spray foam as a challenge, not a deterrent. I’ve tried steel wool too, but it rusts out eventually—hardware cloth holds up better long-term, even if it’s a hassle. Peppermint oil smells nice, but I’m not convinced it does much beyond that.
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Yeah, hardware cloth is a pain to work with, but it’s the only thing that’s really held up for me too. I tried stuffing every gap with steel wool and caulk once—felt like a genius until I found rust stains and chewed-up bits a year later. Peppermint oil just made my crawlspace smell like a candy shop... rodents didn’t seem to mind. Persistence and good materials seem to win out over “miracle” solutions every time, even if it’s not as fun.
I hear you on the peppermint oil—never worked for me either. Hardware cloth is ugly but it’s about the only thing that holds up long term. Has anyone tried those ultrasonic repellents? I’ve always figured they’re a gimmick, but I’m curious if they made a difference for anyone.
Title: Keeping The Critters Out: Weird But Effective Tricks?
I’ve wondered about those ultrasonic gadgets too. Honestly, I’ve tried two different brands in a couple of properties and didn’t notice any difference—at least not with mice or squirrels. Maybe they work on bugs? Hard to say, since the marketing is always so vague. I do like the idea of a solution that doesn’t involve stapling hardware cloth everywhere (which, yeah, is not exactly a design statement), but nothing’s really matched its effectiveness in my experience.
One thing I’ve seen work surprisingly well is using copper mesh in small gaps before sealing them up. It’s less visible than hardware cloth and rodents can’t chew through it. Not as pretty as I’d like, but at least it’s not glaringly obvious. If anyone’s found a truly invisible fix, I’d love to hear about it... until then, it’s all about balancing aesthetics and function, I guess.
Title: Keeping The Critters Out: Weird But Effective Tricks?
Copper mesh is a solid trick—I’ve used it behind siding and around pipe penetrations, and it really does hold up better than most of those “miracle” sprays or gadgets. I’m with you on the ultrasonic things... tried them in a crawlspace once, and if anything, the spiders seemed to multiply. Could be coincidence, but still.
One thing I’ve wondered about is those expanding foam sealants that claim to be rodent-proof. I’ve used the regular stuff, but mice just chew right through unless there’s something tougher mixed in. Has anyone here actually had luck with the “pest block” versions? Or is it just another gimmick?
And yeah, hardware cloth isn’t winning any beauty contests, but after chasing a squirrel through attic insulation for two hours, aesthetics kind of take a back seat for me. Curious if anyone’s tried painting hardware cloth to blend in more, or if that just ends up looking weird...