Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?

You nailed it with the copper mesh - mice just can’t seem to figure that stuff out. Expanding foam always sounds good in theory, but I’ve watched rodents tunnel right through it like it’s a soft cheese. It’s honestly kind of impressive, if you ignore the mess.

Totally with you on the “natural” deterrents, too. My aunt swears by peppermint oil, but all it did was make her basement smell like a candy cane factory (and the mice didn’t seem to mind). Those ultrasonic things are more likely to drive me nuts than any critter.

Colored caulk is a clever trick - I might steal that one. Makes sense for spotting new gaps or if something’s been disturbed. I’ve never actually tried the metal kick plates either, but I do like using those aluminum threshold plates for doors that get a lot of wear. They seem to hold up better than standard weatherstripping, especially in older houses where nothing is quite square.

Honestly, it’s always the little overlooked spots that end up being the big problem. Paying attention to those details really does make the difference.

Expanding foam always sounds good in theory, but I’ve watched rodents tunnel right through it like it’s a soft cheese.

Yeah, expanding foam is basically a snack for them. I tried it once because it was cheap, but ended up with even more holes. Copper mesh works, but have you found a budget-friendly source? The stuff at hardware stores adds up fast. Also, does anyone actually see results with those threshold plates, or do they just look sturdier than they are? I’m always skeptical about spending on “fixes” that don’t last.

Copper mesh works, but have you found a budget-friendly source? The stuff at hardware stores adds up fast.

Yeah, copper mesh can get pricey quick. I’ve actually used stainless steel scrub pads from the dollar store - just unroll and stuff them in gaps. Not perfect, but it’s held up better than foam for me. As for threshold plates, I had mixed luck. They help a bit, but if the fit isn’t tight, mice still squeeze through. Sometimes the “fix” is just as much work as the problem...

Sometimes the “fix” is just as much work as the problem...

Ain’t that the truth. I’ve tried the stainless scrubbers too - worked alright, but I had one rust out after a year and leave a weird stain on the siding. Copper’s better for that, but yeah, it’s not cheap. One trick I picked up: if you’ve got old window screens, cut those up and double-layer them in tight spots. Not perfect, but it slowed down the little guys until I could do a proper patch. Thresholds are hit or miss for me too - if there’s even a sliver of daylight, mice seem to find it.

I hear you on the thresholds - if there’s a gap, mice will find it, no matter how small. I’m not sold on copper either, honestly. It works, but the price is getting ridiculous, and I’ve had it corrode in damp spots anyway. I’ve actually started using that expanding foam with steel wool mixed in for weird corners. Not pretty, but it’s held up better than I expected. Anyone tried those ultrasonic plug-ins? I keep seeing ads but can’t decide if they’re just snake oil or worth a shot.