- Steel wool is my go-to, but I swear mice treat it like an obstacle course. They just come back with tiny hard hats and try again.
- Vapor barrier paranoia is real. I’ve patched so many “just in case” holes that I’m starting to think the crawlspace is more tape than plastic.
- Totally agree on the condensation—caught a pipe sweating last summer, and it was a mold party under there.
Ever tried those expanding foam sealants for mouse-proofing? I keep hearing mixed things... worth it or just another mess to clean up later?
Expanding foam is a mixed bag in my experience. It’s fine for drafts, but mice will chew right through it if they’re determined enough. I’ve seen them tunnel through foam like it’s whipped cream. For real rodent proofing, I stick to hardware cloth or metal mesh with a dab of caulk. Foam just turns into a crumbly mess after a season or two, especially if there’s moisture.
Yeah, foam's not a real solution for critters, especially in damp spots. I’ve pulled out soggy clumps of it from under kitchen sinks and crawlspaces—total mess, and mice had a field day. If you want something that lasts through the winter and spring thaw, I always go with steel wool packed tight, then cover with mesh and seal the edges with silicone caulk. Stops drafts and rodents both. Just make sure the area’s dry first or nothing sticks right.
I get the steel wool thing, but I’ve had it rust out after a couple seasons, especially in damp crawlspaces. Then you’re back to square one with critters squeezing through. I’ve switched to copper mesh—doesn’t rust, and rodents hate chewing it. Silicone caulk’s still key though, totally agree there.
Copper mesh is a solid upgrade—nice call. I’ve seen folks try to double up with both copper and steel, but honestly, in damp spots, steel just becomes a rusty mess. Here’s my go-to: pack the gap with copper mesh, then squeeze in silicone caulk around the edges. That combo holds up through wet winters and keeps the critters guessing. Just make sure you really jam the mesh in there—if you leave it loose, those little guys will find a way. Learned that one the hard way after a raccoon party under my porch...