How can you line the interior of a house to keep mice out? - briefly
Seal all openings larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool combined with expanding caulk, and install metal or copper flashing around doors, windows, and utility penetrations; additionally, line crawl‑space walls and attic vents with heavy‑gauge hardware cloth to create a continuous, rodent‑proof barrier.
How can you line the interior of a house to keep mice out? - in detail
Sealing entry points is the most reliable method for preventing rodents from accessing indoor spaces. Begin by inspecting walls, floors, and ceilings for openings larger than ¼ inch. Use steel‑grade mesh or copper‑coated hardware cloth to cover gaps around pipes, vents, and wiring chases, fastening the material with stainless‑steel screws. Apply a high‑quality, low‑smell silicone or polyurethane caulk to seal cracks around window frames, door thresholds, and baseboards.
For floor and wall junctions, install a continuous strip of metal flashing or rigid PVC trim. The flashing should overlap seams by at least two inches and be anchored to the substrate to resist chewing. In crawl spaces, line the perimeter with heavy‑duty polyethylene sheeting, securing edges with corrosion‑resistant staples, then cover the sheeting with a layer of rigid insulation board to discourage burrowing.
Where gaps cannot be eliminated entirely, install a double barrier. First, place a thin sheet of metal or hard plastic directly against the opening; second, cover the same area with a flexible, rodent‑resistant sealant that expands and remains pliable. This combination prevents both gnawing and squeezing.
Additional measures include:
- Replacing worn weatherstripping on exterior doors with silicone or rubber profiles that compress tightly.
- Installing door sweeps that extend to the floor and are constructed of metal or reinforced polymer.
- Using self‑adhesive foam tape around base cabinets and appliance fixtures, ensuring the tape is rated for rodent resistance.
- Applying a non‑toxic, bitter‑tasting coating to exposed wood trim and baseboards to deter chewing.
Maintain the barrier system by conducting quarterly inspections, repairing any compromised sections immediately, and keeping interior clutter to a minimum, as debris provides hiding places and concealment for gnawing activity. Consistent upkeep of these physical defenses creates an interior environment that rodents cannot easily penetrate.