What interior lining should be used in a wooden house to keep mice out? - briefly
Install a continuous ¼‑inch (or finer) steel mesh («hardware cloth») beneath the interior finish, sealing every joint with metal flashing or caulk. Apply a rigid, non‑porous coating such as cement board or plaster over the mesh to eliminate any remaining gaps.
What interior lining should be used in a wooden house to keep mice out? - in detail
Choosing an interior barrier for a timber structure requires materials that resist gnawing, seal gaps, and deter nesting. Effective options include:
- Steel mesh (¼‑inch gauge) installed behind wall sheathing and under floor joists; mice cannot bite through metal, and the mesh can be fastened with corrosion‑resistant screws.
- Rigid foam insulation with a foil‑faced barrier; the dense core prevents chewing, while the foil layer reflects heat and adds a smooth surface that rodents avoid.
- Ceramic tiles or stone panels on lower walls; hard, non‑porous surfaces provide a physical barrier and are easy to clean.
- Polyethylene sheeting (≥6 mil) applied as a continuous sheet under flooring and between studs; seams sealed with heat‑shrink tape eliminate entry points.
- Pressure‑treated wood panels with integrated steel reinforcement; the treated timber resists decay, and the embedded steel strips stop gnawing.
Installation guidelines:
- Seal all penetrations (pipes, vents, wiring) with steel wool combined with expanding foam; the wool blocks entry, while foam fills voids.
- Apply a continuous barrier from floor to ceiling, overlapping seams by at least 2 inches and fastening securely to structural members.
- Inspect exterior cladding and roof eaves for gaps; use metal flashing and caulk to close openings that could allow access to interior layers.
- Maintain a clean interior environment; eliminate food debris and store grain products in metal containers to reduce attractants.
Regular inspections should focus on joint integrity, signs of chewing, and potential entry points created by settling or renovation work. Replacing damaged sections promptly preserves the protective function of the interior lining.« Effective rodent exclusion depends on material durability, seamless installation, and ongoing maintenance. »