I recently moved into a house from the 1970s, and while mowing my lawn, a neighbor I hadn't met shared a great tip with me. He suggested sealing up the corners of my house siding with steel wool to block mice from getting in. It made me realize there's probably a lot I don't know about home maintenance. So, what simple steps have you taken to prepare your home for fall and winter, particularly to keep rodents and other pests at bay?
3 Answers
Don’t forget to clean your gutters after all the leaves have fallen. It’ll save you from bigger problems when the snow melts!
Your neighbor has the right idea—seal those gaps ASAP! I also use traps all year round, just to stay ahead of any critters. Don’t forget to test your snowblower while it’s still warm out, and finish up any painting jobs before it gets too chilly; temperatures below 50°F can ruin your paint job. Just be proactive about pest control, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble later!
Steel wool is good, but I've had issues with it rusting outdoors. Instead, I recommend using expanding foam but be cautious with how much you apply. Removing food sources—like bird seed and dog food—is crucial too. Also, make sure to cut back any tree branches that touch your roof and keep your yard tidy—no clutter against the house to give rodents a hiding spot.
There are rust-resistant steel wools available, but reviews can be hit or miss. I was eyeing something like 'MaPorch Steel Wool Mouse Hole Filler' from Amazon. For expanding foam, I’ve had good luck with Great Stuff; it expands but is manageable if you use it carefully.