Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
That’s interesting about copper mesh—never thought mice would actually chew through it, but I guess when they’re desperate, they’ll try anything. I’ve had similar luck with steel wool, just a rusty mess and not much else. The hardware cloth/caulk combo seems to be the most reliable, even if it’s not exactly HGTV material.
Has anyone tried using expanding foam in addition to hardware cloth? I’ve read mixed things—some folks say rodents can chew right through the foam, but others swear by it as long as there’s a physical barrier like the cloth behind it. I’m curious if the foam actually helps with air sealing too, or if it just ends up making a bigger project down the line. Also, does anyone bother with those ultrasonic plug-ins? I’ve always been skeptical, but maybe I’m missing something...
Title: Keeping the critters out: weird but effective tricks?
You’re not wrong about the foam—rodents will chew right through it if there’s nothing else in their way. I’ve seen it used with hardware cloth behind, and that combo actually holds up. The foam’s good for air sealing, but don’t count on it alone for keeping pests out. If you’re already using hardware cloth, the foam just fills in the gaps and keeps drafts down, but it’s not a standalone solution.
As for those ultrasonic plug-ins, I’ve tried them in a few properties and honestly, I haven’t noticed much difference. Maybe they work for some folks, but I wouldn’t rely on them as your main line of defense. Hardware cloth and caulk are ugly but effective, and at the end of the day, I’d rather have a sealed-up house than a pretty one full of mice. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles.
Hardware cloth and caulk are ugly but effective, and at the end of the day, I’d rather have a sealed-up house than a pretty one full of mice.
That’s been my experience too. I’ve worked on a few older properties where folks tried to get creative—one guy stuffed steel wool in every gap he could find, then sprayed foam over it. Looked like a mess, but it actually did the trick for a while. The steel wool slows them down, but eventually it rusts or gets pushed out if you’re not careful.
I’m with you on the ultrasonic plug-ins. I’ve tested them in vacant units before leasing, just to see if they’d help with the mouse problem. Didn’t notice any difference, except maybe my wallet was lighter.
If you want a step-by-step that’s worked for me: first, walk the perimeter and look for any hole bigger than a pencil. Hardware cloth goes over those, then caulk or foam for air sealing. For crawl spaces, I’ve even used metal flashing in a pinch. Not pretty, but neither are chewed wires or droppings in the kitchen drawers...
- Totally agree on hardware cloth, even if it’s not winning any design awards.
- One thing I’d add: check those vent covers. I’ve seen rodents squeeze through busted dryer vents more times than I can count.
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“If you want a step-by-step that’s worked for me: first, walk the perimeter and look for any hole bigger than a pencil.”
That’s the gold standard, honestly. Miss one, and they’ll find it.
- For foundation gaps, I sometimes use mortar instead of foam—lasts longer if you’ve got persistent critters.
- And yeah, those ultrasonic gadgets? Might as well toss your cash in the crawlspace...
Ever tried using steel wool in tight spots? I’ve had mixed results—sometimes it works, but sometimes the mice just push right through or drag it out. Curious if anyone’s found a brand or type that actually holds up over time. Also, what’s everyone’s take on using peppermint oil or other “natural” deterrents? I’ve heard stories but never seen much difference myself... maybe I’m just unlucky with stubborn critters.