Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?

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

Totally get the stainless hype, but honestly, I’ve made patchwork fixes last longer than they probably should’ve. One year I used a combo of duct tape, plastic mesh, and some old tent stakes to block a gap under my shed. Looked ridiculous but actually held up through two winters - guess the local chipmunks weren’t that motivated.

That said, I’m with you on the cost vs. hassle equation. When I finally caved and spent a bit more for decent hardware cloth, it was like flipping a switch - no more midnight scrambles to chase out raccoons or patch up new holes. Sometimes spending up front is just less stressful in the long run.

Breathable flashing tape’s a new idea for me, though. I’ve always worried about trapping moisture with all the cheap caulks and foams. Might have to give that a try next round… anything that keeps me from crawling around with a flashlight at 2am is worth considering.

anything that keeps me from crawling around with a flashlight at 2am is worth considering.

Honestly, I hear you on that. I tried the “quick fix” route for ages - foam, mesh, even some leftover tile grout once (don’t ask). It always looked rough and never lasted. Once I switched to hardware cloth, it was night and day, just like you said. But now I’m curious: has anyone actually had luck with those ultrasonic plug-in things? I keep seeing ads but they seem too good to be true.

Tried those ultrasonic things in a couple of rental properties - honestly, didn’t notice much difference. Maybe the mice just didn’t care, or maybe I got the cheap ones. Hardware cloth is ugly but it works, and at least you know what you’re dealing with. The plug-ins always felt like wishful thinking to me... If there’s a magic bullet, I haven’t found it yet.

Yeah, I hear you on the ultrasonic gadgets - tried them in my own place and the mice just seemed to treat them like background noise. Hardware cloth isn’t pretty, but it’s solid. I’ve had better luck sealing up gaps with steel wool and caulk, honestly. Ever tried using peppermint oil or any of those “natural” deterrents? Curious if anyone’s actually seen results with that stuff or if it’s just another myth.

Ever tried using peppermint oil or any of those “natural” deterrents? Curious if anyone’s actually seen results with that stuff or if it’s just another myth.

- Peppermint oil: I’ve read about it, but honestly, I’m skeptical. Tried it once in a rental - smelled great for a few days, but the mice didn’t seem to care. Maybe it works as a short-term thing, but I wouldn’t rely on it for an actual infestation.
- Steel wool and caulk: Totally agree here. It’s not glamorous, but physically blocking access points seems way more effective than anything “natural.”
- Hardware cloth: Not pretty, but from a design standpoint, you can sometimes hide it behind baseboards or trim if you’re renovating anyway.
- Ultrasonic gadgets: Same experience - mice just ignore them after a while.

Has anyone experimented with different materials for sealing gaps? I’ve heard copper mesh is supposed to be better than steel wool since it doesn’t rust or break down as fast. Wondering if that’s worth the extra cost or just marketing hype...