Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?

Tried those ultrasonic things a couple years back - honestly, didn’t notice much of a change. Maybe the mice just didn’t care? What’s worked best for me is a combo: copper mesh stuffed in every gap, then a dab of expanding foam to seal it up. Not pretty, but it keeps ‘em out. I do check every few months for new holes, just in case. Sometimes the low-tech route really is the way to go...

Sometimes the low-tech route really is the way to go...

Totally agree - sometimes all the gadgets in the world can’t beat a little elbow grease and some copper mesh. I tried those ultrasonic things too, and I swear the mice just used them as background music. The only thing that’s really worked for me is blocking every tiny gap I can find, even if it means crawling around with a flashlight at 2am. Not glamorous, but hey, it beats finding mouse droppings in the pantry.

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

- Copper mesh is my go-to too - nothing chews through it, not even the most determined little rodent.
- I know folks swear by steel wool, but I’ve seen mice actually pull that stuff out like they’re redecorating. Copper holds up better in my experience.
- For door gaps, those rubber sweeps do more than folks think. Not fancy, but they close off the “mouse highway” at ground level.
- Peppermint oil? Smells nice, but I’ve watched mice walk right past it like it’s not even there. Maybe it works for some, but I’d never rely on it.
- Found a nest once behind a dishwasher - never underestimate where they’ll squeeze in. Pulled out the whole appliance, sealed up the gap with leftover tile grout and mesh. No more problems since.
- If you’re patching holes in older homes, I always tell people to check attic corners and under sinks too. Sometimes you gotta think like a mouse... and admit defeat when they outsmart you.

Honestly, it’s a battle of patience more than anything. A little creativity (and a lot of crawling around) goes a long way.

I’m curious - has anyone tried those decorative door sweeps or threshold plates that blend in with the flooring? I’ve seen some that look pretty sleek, but I wonder if they’re as effective as the plain rubber ones. Sometimes I worry about sacrificing function for aesthetics, especially in older homes where gaps aren’t always even. Also, has anyone found a way to seal up radiator pipe holes without making it look like a DIY patch job? That’s always been a tricky spot for me...

I hear you on the door sweeps - those fancy ones look great, but honestly, I’ve found the plain rubber types seal better, especially with uneven old floors. The decorative ones are nice for a quick fix, but I always end up going back to function over form. For radiator pipe holes, I’ve used escutcheon plates with a dab of caulk behind them. Looks intentional, not like you slapped some putty on and called it a day.