Sometimes it’s less about fancy gadgets and more about playing detective with a flashlight and a tube of caulk.
That’s spot on—half the battle is just finding those sneaky entry points. I’ve run into spots where even the tiniest gap under a baseboard turned out to be the main thoroughfare for critters. Ever tried expanding foam in addition to mesh and caulk? I’ve had mixed results—sometimes it just gives mice something new to chew on, but in awkward spots it can help. Curious if anyone’s had better luck with certain brands or types?
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
Funny you mention expanding foam—I once thought I’d sealed up a whole crawlspace with that stuff, only to find a mouse had tunneled right through it like it was whipped cream. Mesh plus caulk seems sturdier, but I still use foam in weird corners where nothing else fits. It’s a bit of trial and error, honestly. Don’t feel bad if it takes a few tries—these little guys are relentless.
Totally get what you mean about the foam—my first winter here, I thought I’d outsmarted the mice with a whole can of it. Next thing I knew, they’d just chewed a new path right beside it. It’s honestly reassuring to hear I’m not the only one learning as I go. Those little guys are like tiny Houdinis.