Hey everyone,
I’ve been dealing with a recurring mouse problem in my basement, and no matter how many traps I set, they somehow find a new way in. I’ve read that sealing up entry points is the key to stopping them for good.
Some folks suggest using duct seal, while others recommend steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam. I’m curious what’s worked best for you all.
I swear mice can squeeze through gaps you’d never notice. I went around with a flashlight and sealed every spot where daylight showed through. Duct seal held up great for me, still solid after a year.
Steel wool mixed with a bit of caulk has been my go-to. Mice can’t chew through it, and it stays in place even around awkward corners. Just wear gloves, that stuff’s rough.
Don’t forget to check under appliances and behind cabinets. I found one tiny hole behind my stove that was basically a mouse highway. Plugged it and haven’t seen any droppings since.
If you’re sealing around pipes, duct seal works better than foam, in my opinion. Foam can shrink over time, and mice can sometimes gnaw through it if it’s soft enough.
I used to live in an old farmhouse, mice everywhere. What finally worked was combining materials: steel mesh for larger gaps and duct seal for smaller ones. Took a weekend, but totally worth it.
It helps to leave a fine layer of flour or dust near suspected entry points overnight. In the morning, check for tracks, that’s how I found where they were sneaking in.
Duct seal works surprisingly well in garages. It stays flexible even through temperature changes. Just make sure the surface is dry before applying.
don’t forget weatherstripping under doors. I sealed every wall crack but missed the garage door gap, and that’s how they got back in.
I used duct seal in combination with copper mesh. Looks cleaner than steel wool and does the same job. Haven’t had to touch it up in two winters.
Seal one spot, they find another. Once you plug every possible entry, the problem really does stop. Took me a while, but now my place is totally quiet.