Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?

Anyone tried those ultrasonic plug-ins? I keep seeing ads but can’t decide if they’re just snake oil or worth a shot.

Tried the ultrasonic things a couple years back when I was desperate. Honestly, didn’t notice any difference - mice just kept doing their thing. Maybe it works for some folks, but for me it was just another gadget collecting dust. That steel wool and foam combo is ugly but way cheaper and actually seems to work. Copper’s gotten way too pricey for what it is, totally agree there.

I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen those ultrasonic plug-ins make a difference in a couple of older buildings I’ve worked on. Not a miracle cure, but they seemed to cut down on activity, especially when paired with sealing up gaps. Maybe it depends on the layout or how stubborn the critters are? Steel wool’s solid, but I can’t stand how it rusts over time - had to pull out clumps that basically disintegrated behind baseboards. Copper mesh is pricey, yeah, but at least it lasts. Sometimes you just have to mix and match until something sticks.

Steel wool’s solid, but I can’t stand how it rusts over time - had to pull out clumps that basically disintegrated behind baseboards.

That’s exactly why I started using stainless steel mesh instead. It’s a bit more expensive than regular steel wool, but it doesn’t rust or break down, and you can cut it to fit weird gaps. I’ve also found that caulking over the mesh helps keep things tidy and blends better with trim. Ultrasonic plug-ins never did much for me, but maybe my old apartment just had super stubborn mice...

I’ve tried the stainless mesh too, and yeah, it’s way less of a headache than dealing with rusty steel wool bits everywhere. The caulk trick is smart - never thought to do that, but it makes sense for keeping things neat. I’m still skeptical about those ultrasonic things, though. Maybe they work for bugs, but mice just seem to ignore them. Has anyone actually had luck with peppermint oil or any of those “natural” deterrents? I keep hearing mixed reviews, but I’m not convinced they do much besides make the place smell like a candy shop...

Peppermint oil just made my mudroom smell like a spa, but the mice didn’t seem to care. I swear I watched one stroll right past a cotton ball soaked in it - like it was nothing. Has anyone tried those battery-powered traps? I’m curious if they’re actually worth the price or just another gadget collecting dust in the garage...