Steel wool is like the unsung hero of home defense, honestly. I’ve tried all those fancy ultrasonic gadgets and “natural” sprays—total waste for me. But steel wool? Mice treat it like an electric fence. Once had a little guy chew through a $40 bag of organic granola but wouldn’t touch the wall after I patched it up with steel wool and caulk. Maybe they’re just picky about their snacks...
Steel wool definitely works, but I’d argue it’s just a band-aid if you don’t address the root cause—gaps and poor sealing. I’m all for low-toxicity fixes, but honestly, nothing beats actually sealing up every crack with proper materials. Steel wool’s just a stopgap if you ask me.
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
I get where you’re coming from about steel wool being a temporary fix. It’s definitely not a substitute for actually sealing things up right. Still, I’ll admit, I’ve used it more times than I can count—especially in those “I’ll get to it later” spots that somehow turn into “I never got to it” spots. There’s something oddly satisfying about jamming a wad of steel wool into a hole and knowing nothing’s getting through there tonight, even if it’s not exactly elegant.
But yeah, long-term, nothing beats a proper seal. I’ve found that expanding foam works wonders in weird gaps, but you have to be careful—too much and you’re chiseling it off later. Caulk is great for the smaller cracks, though I’ve learned the hard way that some critters will chew right through the cheap stuff. I started using the silicone-based stuff in the basement after a mouse managed to tunnel through my first attempt. Lesson learned.
Funny story—one summer, I thought I’d outsmart the squirrels with a mix of steel wool and spray foam in a soffit gap. Next thing I know, there’s a squirrel on my porch roof, looking at me like I’d personally offended it. Turns out, they’re more persistent than I gave them credit for. Ended up replacing the whole section of fascia just to be sure.
At the end of the day, it’s a bit of both—quick fixes for tonight, real repairs for the weekend (or whenever you finally get around to it). If anyone’s got a trick that keeps squirrels from holding grudges, I’m all ears...
“I’ve found that expanding foam works wonders in weird gaps, but you have to be careful—too much and you’re chiseling it off later.”
Honestly, I’d skip the expanding foam for anything rodents are targeting. Mice and squirrels will chew right through it if they’re determined. Here’s what’s worked better for me:
- Sheet metal patches for bigger holes—nothing chews through that.
- Hardware cloth (1/4” mesh) under soffits or vents.
- Copper mesh instead of steel wool. Doesn’t rust, lasts longer.
Steel wool’s fine for a night or two, but if you want peace of mind, go with something they can’t bite through. Squirrels especially... they’re relentless.
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
I’m right there with you on skipping the foam for rodent issues. I tried it in the garage last fall—looked solid for about a week, then found little bits of yellow foam all over the floor and a mouse nest behind my tool bench. Lesson learned.
Here’s what’s worked for me, step by step:
1. First, I walk the perimeter and look for any gap bigger than a pencil. Mice can squeeze through ridiculous spaces.
2. For anything bigger than a dime, I use tin snips to cut some leftover aluminum flashing and screw it right over the hole. Not pretty, but nothing’s getting through that.
3. Smaller gaps get stuffed with copper mesh—agree 100% on that one. I used steel wool once and it rusted into a gross mess after a wet winter.
4. If there’s a vent or soffit, I sandwich hardware cloth between the vent cover and siding. Takes a bit more time but keeps everything out, even wasps.
One thing I’d add—if you’re sealing up an area where you’ve had critters before, make sure they’re all out first. I blocked off a crawlspace vent too soon once and ended up with something scratching around in there for days before it finally chewed its way out (not fun at 2am).
I get why people like expanding foam—it’s fast and fills weird shapes—but if you’re dealing with anything determined (squirrels are basically tiny chainsaws), metal is just more reliable.
Also, if you’re worried about looks, you can paint over the patches or tuck them behind trim where possible. Not winning any design awards here, but at least I’m not sharing my house with rodents anymore.
Curious if anyone’s tried those ultrasonic repellers? I always see them at hardware stores but never heard if they actually work...