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.
Title: Keeping The Critters Out: Weird But Effective Tricks?
- I’ve had similar luck with expanding foam—mice don’t seem fazed. They’ll chew right through or just find the next easiest spot.
- What’s worked better for me is a combo approach: steel wool packed into gaps, then foam to seal it in. Mice hate chewing through metal, and it holds up better over time.
- I’ve also tried copper mesh, which is less likely to rust than steel wool. Not cheap, but you can reuse it if you need to redo an area.
- One time I thought peppermint oil would keep them away (read it online somewhere), but I swear the mice just ignored it or maybe even liked the smell.
- If you’re sealing up spots, don’t forget under siding or around utility penetrations. That’s where I found my “hidden” mouse highway last fall… live and learn.
It’s definitely a process—seems like every year I find a new spot they’ve discovered. At least we’re all getting creative about it.
One time I thought peppermint oil would keep them away (read it online somewhere), but I swear the mice just ignored it or maybe even liked the smell.
Same here—tried peppermint oil and all it did was make my crawlspace smell like a candy shop. No effect on the mice at all. I’m new to this whole homeownership thing, but steel wool + foam seems to be the only combo that’s actually slowed them down. Still found one sneaking in behind my dryer vent last week... these little guys are relentless.