Copper looks great until you realize it’s buried behind drywall or under the sink where no one will ever see it. I’ve patched holes with hardware cloth and a bit of spray foam plenty of times—never had a mouse get through yet. Copper’s nice but it’s overkill for most spots, unless you’re in some super humid basement or just like the idea of never touching it again. Honestly, if you’re careful sealing up gaps, hardware cloth does the trick and won’t break the bank.
- Totally agree—hardware cloth and spray foam are underrated.
- Copper’s nice, but unless you’re dealing with a serious rodent problem or crazy moisture, it’s probably more than you need.
- I’ve had good luck with steel wool too, but it rusts over time, so hardware cloth is just easier in the long run.
- Honestly, if you’re not seeing chew marks or new holes, you’re doing something right.
- Patch it up, keep an eye out, and don’t stress about using the “fancy” stuff unless you really want to.
Honestly, hardware cloth is pretty much my go-to as well. It's cost-effective, lasts, and doesn't require a ton of maintenance. That said, I get the appeal of copper, especially in high-end builds or spots with persistent issues—sometimes aesthetics or extreme conditions do justify it. One thing I've noticed: people often overlook entry points up high, like roof vents or soffits. Critters are way more resourceful than you'd think. I always recommend a walk-around every season... you'd be surprised what you find after a windy storm or heavy rain.
You nailed it with the seasonal walk-arounds—people forget how quickly things shift after a storm. I’ve seen squirrels squeeze through gaps I’d swear were too small. Hardware cloth is underrated, honestly. Copper looks great, but yeah, sometimes it’s just overkill unless you’re dealing with something persistent.
Yeah, hardware cloth is a game changer. I learned the hard way after a raccoon managed to peel back some cheap mesh under my deck—felt like I was in a cartoon watching him squeeze through. Since then, I double up on corners and use zip ties for backup. Copper’s nice but honestly, unless you’re battling super determined critters, it’s more for show. Funny how the smallest gaps turn into highways for squirrels... they’re like little furry contortionists.