I’ve had mixed luck with foam, too—some of the “eco” brands seem to break down faster, but the pest-rated stuff definitely holds up better. For sheet metal, I use tin snips with a short handle, but it’s still a pain in those tight spots. Ever tried using hardware cloth instead of mesh? I find it’s sturdier and easier to shape around odd angles. Curious if anyone’s found a non-toxic way to deter critters that actually works...
Ever tried using hardware cloth instead of mesh? I find it’s sturdier and easier to shape around odd angles.
I’ve used hardware cloth a bunch, especially in crawl spaces where rodents love to squeeze in. It does hold up better than basic mesh, but I’ve found you really need gloves—those edges are brutal. For non-toxic deterrents, peppermint oil sprays worked for a bit, but the effect faded fast. Has anyone tried ultrasonic repellents? I’m skeptical, but curious if they’re worth the investment in drafty basements.
Tried ultrasonic repellents in my basement last year—honestly, didn’t notice a difference. Rodents seemed to treat it like background music and kept coming in. Maybe they work better in a sealed-up space, but in my drafty old house, not so much. Hardware cloth is my go-to too, but yeah, those edges have claimed more than one pair of gloves. If you find a cheap, actually effective deterrent, let me know... I’m tired of playing whack-a-mole with these guys.
- Totally with you on the hardware cloth—my hands have lost more than a few battles there.
- Ultrasonic gadgets? I’ve seen more action from a lava lamp. Rodents just don’t care, especially if there’s even the smallest gap somewhere.
- Honestly, best luck I’ve had is sealing every crack I can find, then stuffing steel wool in the weird spots. Not glamorous, but it slows ‘em down.
- As for cheap fixes, peanut butter on snap traps still beats all the fancy stuff... just gotta check ‘em often or things get gross fast.
- If you ever figure out an easier way, I’ll be first in line.
- Been there with the hardware cloth—definitely not gentle on the hands, but it does the job. I try to use gloves but still manage to get poked every time.
- Ultrasonic gadgets are basically just expensive nightlights from what I’ve seen. If rodents want in, they’ll find a way unless you make it physically impossible.
- Sealing cracks and stuffing steel wool is underrated. Not fancy, but honestly, it’s the only thing that’s slowed down our mouse problem. Every year, I find new weird little holes behind appliances or under the sink... they’re relentless.
- Snap traps with peanut butter are my go-to too. I tried those “humane” traps for a while but half the time, they just got the bait and left. At least with snap traps, you know where you stand.
- One thing: I started using a mix of steel wool and expanding foam for bigger gaps. It’s not perfect (foam alone doesn’t stop them), but together it seems to hold up better and keeps drafts out too.
- Just a thought—if you’re dealing with rodents near your heater, double check for any insulation gaps around pipes or vents. That’s where I found most of my issues last winter.
Honestly, none of these fixes are glamorous, but they work. And hey, at least you’re not wasting money on stuff that just looks good on the shelf but doesn’t do squat. Stick with what works, even if it’s not pretty.