Filling some mouse holes

[rScotty]

I need some product that sets like concrete so we can repair some mouse holes in barn walls. It doesn't have to be flexible, but it would be nice if it came in a caulking tube to make it easier to use.

Something like "Liquid Nails" adhesive but that hardens like Portland cement would be just about right...
Being able to get it at Home Depot would be even better.
Anyone have any ideas?

rScotty

 

[scootr]

All purpose drywall mud. I don't think any critter is going to eat that, it may chew next to it..

 

[/pine]

Just about anything that is going to be impervious you're likely going to need to mix a catalyst...
They make a putty like epoxy that comes in different size packages...
Personally I would use automotive body filler with fiber...it can be sanded smooth if needed...it does require mixing with a cream hardener...

 

[rScotty]

I should have mentioned that most of the holes are there because they started as either electrical or plumbing access. I'd rather have holes than have them chewing next to it.. but gotta fill some of them.

 

[scootr]

In the old days we used steel wool pads. Kind of tore the pad apart and stuffed the hole using a stick or whatever.

 

[jmc]

Mice chewed thru my garagedoor/floor seal. It's just a hollow rubber extrusion. Stuffed some steel wool into the opening they exposed, just as a temp fix. It's now been keeping them out for years, since it didn't fall out yet.

Maybe you could just partially caulk your holes with whatever you have handy, pack in some steel wool, and then caulk a finishing layer over the steel wool?

 

[loggin]

I should have mentioned that most of the holes are there because they started as either electrical or plumbing access. I'd rather have holes than have them chewing next to it.. but gotta fill some of them.

How about just screwing a small piece of plywood over the hole..? 4 inch by 3 inch or bigger if need be. Has always worked for me to close off former electrical/plumbing holes.

 

[MossRoad]

We use this method to fill areas around pipes where bats move through the buildings at my employer's properties. Don't see why it wouldn't work for mice.

Push some steel wool into the hole. The steel wool will deter them from chewing in the same spot, or going through a passage that's already there. Doesn't guarantee they won't move an inch or two over and try again. I suppose you could then spread some caulk of your choice over it to make it airtight and hold the wool in the hole.

 

[jyoutz]

I need some product that sets like concrete so we can repair some mouse holes in barn walls. It doesn't have to be flexible, but it would be nice if it came in a caulking tube to make it easier to use.

Something like "Liquid Nails" adhesive but that hardens like Portland cement would be just about right...
Being able to get it at Home Depot would be even better.
Anyone have any ideas?

rScotty

Whatever you use to fill and finish the walls, back it up with steel wool. They cannot chew through that.

 

[lman]

Great Stuff™ Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant: Keep Pests Out

Seal gaps and cracks to prevent pests with Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant. Powerful formula, easy to use, and long-lasting.

www.greatstuff.dupont.com

 

[rScotty]

OK. I hear eveyone on the steel wool. Hired guy just got back with a lifetime supply of #3 steel wool and also some same in stainless steel wool. We were putting it in place with Liquid Nails but /pine's idea on body putty being harder and longer lasting made so much sense I switched.
Now we are using 3M 5200 hardenable Marine Filler - even better than body putty. Comes in a tube and hardens and lasts forever.
Our high tech solution is smearing 5200 into the hole along with steel wool and poking all into place with a whittled down dowel rod.
Thanks,
rScotty

 

[/pine]

5200 is some B_A stuff...used it many times installing transducers on vessels still in the water...water has no effect...
Be sure to use acetone or lacquer thinner before it dries on your hands...
Also if you have any left it will keep longer in the fridge...

FWIW...if regular steel wool gets wet it's toast in short order...they always used bronze wool around marinas etc...

 

[Rustyiron]

Durham's "ROCK HARD" wood putty. Pretty sure HD/Lowes have it.
You mix it like a cement and would have to be careful to only add enough water for a thick putty. It's workable after it sets up. (sanding, filing, etc)

 

[etpm]

Durham's "ROCK HARD" wood putty. Pretty sure HD/Lowes have it.
You mix it like a cement and would have to be careful to only add enough water for a thick putty. It's workable after it sets up. (sanding, filing, etc)

I was reading this thread and kept trying to think of the name of the stuff I used years ago to plug some mouse holes. And you posted about it. The Durham's stuff worked very well for me when I had to plug several rodent holes. It stuck where I put it and I was able to trowel it to shape when I needed to in a couple places. It did not shrink when it hardened, which is a big plus when plugging holes. Here's a link: Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty – Trusted for over 80 years Thanks for posting about Durham's.
Eric

 

[EddieWalker]

I keep a can of Bondo in my truck for stuff like this if it's something people will see.

If they can't see it, like in an attic, I use metal cover plates used for electrical junction boxes, and screw them in place over the holes. Usually I'm dealing with squirrels on homes with cedar siding on the gable ends of their homes.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-2-Gang-Square-Metal-Electrical-Box-Cover/3129183

 

[Tont S]

Roofing cement works in our deer stands hardens up and the mice won't chew on it. I think it sticks to the roof of the mouth.

 

[jjeff]

Great Stuff™ Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant: Keep Pests Out

Seal gaps and cracks to prevent pests with Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant. Powerful formula, easy to use, and long-lasting.

www.greatstuff.dupont.com

I guess that's why they call it "great stuff" lol lind of pricey but cheaper than 5200 and like 5200 acetone helps clean it up for overzealous spraying, I've had "great"success using it on campers, pole barns, etc and the hole or crack requires no prepping like I would if I use using a polyurethane sealant like 5200. If I have bronze or copper wool lying around I'll put that in the hole or crack first than sparingly foam it in place, Mice don't chew on it in my experience, and if they do they get to contend with steel wool.

 

[big bubba]

Hi
I use expanding foam insulation in a can. Use it outside also to fill critter holes. I tape a hose on the can and push it as far into the hole as I can and fill it.

agree. had great results filling voids around house perimeter w/foam fill insulation. in larger voids, i add some gravel as aggregate. works perfectly, have yet any rodents testing those areas. & easy to dig out if you need to make adjustments

 

[ehcrain]

Durhams rockhard is a good choice in my experience

 

[rScotty]

Durhams rockhard is a good choice in my experience

Thanks. A lot of folks recommended Durhams Rock Hard. I've ordered some to try it out.
I did try Water-Stop hydraulic cement/cement patch material (also water mix) slathered into #2 or #3 steel wool and that worked better than I expected.
Still, a caulking tube is easier.
rScotty