Copper mesh is actually pretty solid, especially if you’re worried about longevity or moisture issues. I get the hesitation on price, but in my experience, it’s less about “marketing hype” and more about not having to redo the job later. Steel wool can rust and break down, especially in older homes with damp basements. That said, I’ve seen people double up—copper mesh for the main barrier, then a dab of caulk to hold it in place. Not the cheapest route, but it’s worked for me.
“physically blocking access points seems way more effective than anything ‘natural.’”
Couldn’t agree more here. The “natural” stuff is nice for peace of mind, but if you want to keep critters out long-term, it’s all about the barriers.
Title: Keeping The Critters Out: Weird But Effective Tricks?
I get the logic behind copper mesh, but I’ve actually had some luck with a mix of “natural” and physical barriers. For smaller gaps, I tried peppermint oil on cotton balls before sealing things up, and it seemed to slow down the mice while I got around to patching. Not saying it’s a forever fix, but sometimes you need a stopgap. Also, for anyone dealing with really old stone foundations, sometimes mortar patching plus mesh is worth considering—just mesh alone didn’t cut it for me. Every house seems to have its own quirks...
“sometimes you need a stopgap”
Totally get that—sometimes you just need something to buy you a few days (or weeks) of sanity. I’ve tried the peppermint oil trick too, but the mice in my place must have developed a taste for it... didn’t slow them down much. Ever try steel wool mixed with caulk? I found that combo worked better than mesh alone, especially for those weird, uneven gaps in old brickwork. Curious if anyone’s had luck with ultrasonic repellents? Mixed reviews out there, and I’m skeptical, but maybe there’s a trick to using them right.
Steel wool and caulk definitely work for a while, but in my experience, mice can chew through almost anything if they’re determined enough. I tried ultrasonic repellents in a rental once—honestly, didn’t notice any difference. Maybe it depends on the layout or how many you use? I’m more convinced by physical barriers than gadgets, but maybe I just had bad luck.
Totally get where you’re coming from. We moved into our place last year and the first cold snap brought mice in—like clockwork. Tried those ultrasonic things too, but if anything it just made the dog weirdly anxious. Ended up going with copper mesh plus a ton of caulk. It’s holding for now, but I swear, those little guys are like tiny contractors... always looking for a way in.