Mice infestations do not discriminate between big cities or rural areas. Adult mice can invade your home through cracks and holes as tiny as a dime.
If you have tiny gaps in your foundation or a crack in your wall, you'll definitely be sharing your meals with some mice. And an invasion of these stubborn little critters is not without risks.
Mice are associated with serious structural damage. Thanks to their notorious behavior of constantly gnawing on electrical wiring, they are said to be responsible for up to 25% of the undetermined house fires!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents are carriers of at least 35 diseases and have been associated with the spread of serious diseases like hantavirus and salmonella.
But just because you already have an active mice infestation doesn't mean you're now subjected to suffering forever! There are tons of genius hacks that you can apply to keep rats away from your home-like using a copper mesh.
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Inspecting For Possible Mice Entry Points
It's vital that you inspect mice entry points before any mouse proofing. This way, you will discover gaps, cracks, crevices, holes, breakages, and other possible mice entry points for proofing.
You'll need to bring a flashlight because mice prefer dark recessed areas where you can barely spot them. Look for the following common mice entry points:
- Holes in walls and foundation- Thoroughly inspect the perimeter of your home, paying keen attention to spot any holes or cracks in the foundation or walls. If you spot any holes, even as small as a quarter-inch, mice can squeeze through it, and you'll therefore need to proof it.
- Holes in Pipes- holes in pipes are another convenient mice entry point. Inspect all places in your home where exterior pipes enter walls, and if there are any gaps, then you'll need to seal them—generally, the best way to seal such small gaps is by caulking. Although waterproof, note that caulk wears off with time, and you'll need to reseal. Suppose you don't have caulk? No worries because the copper mesh will also provide you with similar results.
- Openings around window seals and doors- mice can sneak into your home through open doors and windows. You are advised to install screens for doors and windows to keep mice away. Note that the weather stripping on your doors and windows is subject to wearing off with time, leaving small gaps that mice can squeeze through. Be sure to replace such flaws fast.
Possible mice entry points are not limited to the above common areas. Therefore, you'll need to inspect every nook and cranny of your home for the most effective mice-proofing results.
A Step By Step Guide On How To Use Copper Mesh For Mice
The most convenient thing to do is proof mice entry points as you discover them during the inspection process. For the best results, we have provided you the best hack to keep mice away from your home for good using copper mesh:
- Identify the area that needs proofing and unrolls an adequate amount of copper mesh depending on the size of crack/crevices that need proofing. Easily cut the required amount using a pair of scissors.
- Scrumple the mesh and stuff it into the cracks that mice might be coming through. You can use an object like a stick to work the copper mesh into the tight gaps if need be.
- The best way to secure the copper mesh is by encasing it with expanding foam. Ensure to put the copper mesh in the gap first before the expanding foam. If the mice try to chew their way into your house through the foam, they will ingest pieces of the copper mesh, and it will slowly kill them.
Why Is Copper Mesh Ideal For Mice Proofing?
Copper mesh is a highly recommended way to prevent mice from squeezing past tiny spaces into your home. By putting Stuf-It copper mesh in holes and other possible entry points like cracks in vents and around plumbing, you build an effective rodent barrier.
Copper mesh wool does not rust, and more critically, mice and rats cannot chew it or force their way through it into your home. It is also easy to cut, shape and stuff the required amount into holes and openings of any size to keep away pests like mice, snails, bugs, and more.
The Most Commonly Asked Questions
What is Copper Mesh Used For?
Copper mesh is made of 100% copper, and though stiff and strong, it is flexible and easy to crumple and stuff in holes and cracks. Animals like mice and rats can't gnaw through it, and it is especially hard for them to remove it. This makes copper mesh the most effective and environmentally safe way to keep mice, rats, birds, bats, and other invaders away from your home.
Must I Cement After Using Copper Mesh?
It's best to secure your copper mesh to make it completely impossible for mice to remove it. Cementing the opening is one of the many ways of securing your copper mesh. Alternatively, you can use expandable foam to keep the copper mesh in place and prevent its chances of being removed.
How Do I Cut Copper Mesh?
It's easy; once you've rolled out the required amount, simply cut it off with household scissors.
How Much Copper Mesh Do I Need To Seal Holes?
There is no one recommended amount of copper mesh to use. The size of the hole being sealed determines the amount of copper mesh that you'll use. The bigger the opening, the more the copper mesh. The most important thing is to ensure that the mesh has a tight fit so that mice and bugs cant bypass it or pull it out.
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