Galvanized mesh is always a headache in damp areas, learned that lesson the hard way too. Stainless steel is solid, but yeah, pricey. What I've done that's worked pretty well is aluminum mesh—it's cheaper than stainless, doesn't rust like galvanized, and pests hate chewing through it. Had it under kitchen cabinets in a couple rentals for years now, no rust or rodents so far.
Another thing you might try is plastic-coated hardware cloth. Not as tough as metal long-term, but if your main concern is smaller pests like mice or insects, it's surprisingly effective and super easy to clean. Quick wipe-down every now and then and you're good.
Honestly though, aluminum mesh has been my sweet spot between cost, durability, and low-maintenance. Worth giving it a shot if stainless steel feels overkill for the budget.
I've had decent luck with aluminum mesh too, but I gotta say, plastic-coated hardware cloth surprised me. Used it under a bathroom vanity in a basement remodel—figured it'd be temporary—but three years later, still holding up fine. It's not bulletproof, and I wouldn't trust it against anything bigger than a mouse, but for damp spaces where rust is a pain, it's honestly underrated. Quick wipe-down every couple months and you're set...beats spending a fortune on stainless steel.
- Plastic-coated hardware cloth, huh? Interesting choice...but honestly, I'd still be cautious.
- Seen it hold up okay in damp spots, sure, but rodents can surprise you—mice chew through crazier stuff than you'd think.
- Aluminum mesh has been decent for me too, but I usually lean toward galvanized hardware cloth. Bit pricier than plastic-coated, cheaper than stainless, and rust hasn't been a huge issue yet.
- Still, if it's working after three years, can't argue too much with results. Maybe I'll give it a shot next time I'm feeling brave (or cheap).
I've actually had decent luck with plastic-coated hardware cloth myself. Installed some about four years back around a basement vent area—mostly to keep out critters—and it's still holding strong. Admittedly, mice can be persistent little buggers, but if after three years you're still rodent-free, seems like you've found a solid solution. Might not be textbook-perfect, but hey...if it ain't broke, right?
Yeah, I've used plastic-coated hardware cloth too, and honestly, it's been pretty reliable. But just a heads-up—make sure you're checking it every now and then. I noticed mine started rusting slightly around the edges after a couple years, especially where moisture tends to build up. Nothing major yet, but I'm keeping an eye on it. Better safe than sorry, right? Still, for DIY stuff, it's a solid choice overall.
