What should I use to seal a hole in the floor caused by mice? - briefly
Fill the opening with steel wool or copper mesh, apply a rodent‑proof caulk, then cover with expanding foam or a concrete patch for a durable seal.
What should I use to seal a hole in the floor caused by mice? - in detail
Mice create openings that compromise structural integrity and allow further infestation. Effective repair requires a material that resists gnawing, adheres securely to the substrate, and fills the gap completely.
Recommended materials
- Steel‑wool bundle, tightly packed into the void; rodents cannot chew through metal fibers.
- Copper mesh, cut to size, acts as a reinforcing layer beneath sealant.
- Polyurethane «expanding foam», injected to occupy irregular spaces, then trimmed flush.
- Cement‑based floor patch, applied over a metal backing for permanent closure.
- Epoxy wood filler, suitable for wooden subfloors when combined with a metal insert.
Repair procedure
- Remove loose debris and any remaining gnawed material.
- Insert a steel‑wool or copper mesh plug that fills the depth of the hole.
- Apply polyurethane «expanding foam» into remaining voids, allowing it to expand and cure according to manufacturer’s time‑frame.
- Trim excess foam level with the surrounding floor surface.
- Cover the repaired area with a cement‑based patch or epoxy filler, smoothing to match the existing floor.
- Allow the repair to cure fully before exposing the area to foot traffic.
Preventive measures
- Seal entry points around baseboards, pipes, and vents with caulk or steel wool.
- Install metal flashing at the perimeter of the repaired spot.
- Maintain a clean environment to discourage rodent activity.
The combined use of a chew‑resistant core and a durable surface seal ensures long‑term closure of mouse‑damaged floor openings.