Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?

I’ve had similar experiences—exclusion is king, but I do like the cedar idea for trim. Have you ever tried using hardware cloth instead of steel wool for sealing gaps? I’ve found it holds up better over time, especially in damp spots. Curious if anyone’s noticed a difference.

Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?

I’ve actually gone back and forth between hardware cloth and steel wool, depending on the spot. Hardware cloth is my go-to for anything that’s got a bit of space to it—like under the deck or around vents. It’s just tougher, and I don’t have to worry about it rusting away or getting chewed through by the more determined rodents. Steel wool, on the other hand, I’ll use for those tiny, awkward gaps where it’s hard to get anything else to fit. But yeah, in damp areas, steel wool turns into a rusty mess pretty quick.

Funny story—last winter I thought I’d sealed up everything with steel wool behind my shed. Come spring, found a mouse had basically built itself a cozy little nest right in the rusty clump. Switched to hardware cloth after that and haven’t had any squatters since. Cedar trim is a nice touch too, though I mostly use it for looks rather than function. Anyone else ever try stuffing copper mesh in gaps? Heard mixed things about that...

Copper mesh is something I've looked into, mostly because it doesn't rust out like steel wool. From what I've seen, it's a bit pricier, but folks say rodents don’t like chewing through it. That said, I’ve heard stories about mice just pushing it aside if it’s not packed in tight enough. I guess the real trick is making sure whatever material you use actually stays put and doesn’t create a new hiding spot.

I’ve also wondered about using expanding foam in combination with mesh—like, does that really hold up over time? Some people swear by it for sealing weirdly shaped gaps, but I’m skeptical about how durable it is, especially if there’s any moisture involved. Anyone ever notice foam breaking down or critters just gnawing right through it?

I’ve also wondered about using expanding foam in combination with mesh—like, does that really hold up over time?

You’re right to be skeptical about foam as a long-term solution, especially if moisture is an issue. In my experience, the foam alone isn’t much of a deterrent—rodents can chew through it pretty easily. But pairing it with copper mesh can work well if you really pack the mesh in so it can't be pushed aside. The foam just fills the gaps and holds the mesh in place, but it’s definitely not a substitute for a physical barrier. For odd-shaped gaps, that combo is probably your best bet, but I’d avoid relying on foam by itself.

I’ve actually seen that combo—foam and mesh—hold up pretty well in older homes, especially where you’re dealing with weird gaps around pipes and such. The key really is making sure the mesh is packed tight, like you mentioned. Foam’s not perfect, but it does make things look neater and helps keep drafts out. I wouldn’t call it a permanent fix, but for tricky spots where you can’t fit hardware cloth or metal flashing, it’s a solid workaround. Sometimes you just have to get creative with these old houses...