How can I block drafts in a house from mice? - briefly
Seal all gaps and openings with steel wool backed by caulk or metal mesh, and install weather‑stripping and door sweeps to close off potential entry points. Reduce attractants by storing food in sealed containers and maintaining a clean environment to discourage rodents.
How can I block drafts in a house from mice? - in detail
Mice exploit any opening that allows air movement, so sealing these passages eliminates both the draft and the entry point.
Begin with a thorough inspection. Walk the exterior and interior of the home, checking windows, doors, foundation, utility penetrations, vents, and the roof. Use a flashlight and a thin piece of paper or a smoke stick to locate airflow. Mark each gap with chalk or tape.
Select appropriate sealing materials. For gaps larger than ¼ inch, install steel wool or copper mesh, then cover with expanding polyurethane foam, silicone caulk, or metal flashing. For cracks smaller than ¼ inch, apply high‑quality silicone or acrylic caulk. Use weather‑stripping on movable doors and windows; choose a product with a compression seal that remains effective after repeated use. Seal around pipes, cables, and HVAC ducts with metal clamps or heavy‑duty sealant, not just foam, to resist gnawing.
Address structural openings. Install a solid metal or heavy‑gauge hardware cloth (¼‑inch mesh) over vent openings, chimney flues, and crawl‑space entries. Secure the cloth with stainless‑steel screws and a tight sealant bead. For the foundation, apply a continuous bead of concrete sealant or epoxy around the perimeter, and consider a perimeter drainage system to keep soil moisture low, reducing mouse activity.
Maintain the barriers. Inspect seals twice yearly, especially after severe weather, and repair any damage promptly. Replace weather‑stripping annually, and reapply caulk to any joints that show cracking. Keep vegetation trimmed at least 18 inches from the building, and store firewood, compost, and trash away from the structure to reduce attractants.
Combine sealing with interior deterrents. Place snap traps or live‑capture devices along walls where mice have previously traveled. Use peppermint oil or commercial rodent repellents sparingly, but rely primarily on the physical barriers described above, as they provide lasting protection.
By systematically identifying airflow paths, applying durable sealing solutions, and maintaining the integrity of those barriers, drafts and mouse ingress can be effectively eliminated.