Hi everyone!
I recently discovered mice and ants sneaking into my house through gaps I didn’t even notice! I’ve tried stuffing steel wool into cracks, but pests keep finding new entry points. I’m worried about using the wrong materials or missing hidden spots. What’s the most effective way to seal pest entrances for good?
Steel wool + caulk is the gold standard for rodents! Mice can’t chew through it. For ants, seal cracks with silicone caulk, it’s flexible and weatherproof.
@NatureLover64 Thanks! Does steel wool rust over time? I’m worried about moisture in my basement.
Use copper wool instead, it’s rust-proof and just as effective!
Avoid expanding foam alone, pests gnaw through it. Pair foam with metal mesh for durability. Check gaps around utility lines and roof vents!
Door sweeps and weatherstripping made a huge difference! Sealed my garage door gaps for $15. Also, use a flashlight at night to spot ant trails.
Don’t forget chimney caps and vent covers! I installed 1/8-inch mesh screens, kept out birds AND raccoons.
For tiny cracks, diatomaceous earth mixed with caulk works wonders. It’s non-toxic and shreds insect exoskeletons.
Thermal cameras help find hidden gaps! I rented one and found a hole behind my fridge. Sealed it with aluminum flashing.
Are essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus) safe to spray around sealed areas? I don’t want to attract more pests.
@WorriedParent Oils can deter pests temporarily, but they fade. Focus on physical barriers first!
Check your foundation for crumbling mortar. I repointed mine with cement and added a gravel barrier, no more centipedes!