Steel wool is a common household cleaning tool and is likely already in your supply closet. But the multipurpose scrubber has another use: removing unwanted guests like blue bottle fly. Steel wool will stop rodents and other small pests from entering your house through cracks and crevices if used properly. Here’s how.
Why Should You Use Steel Wool On Bugs?
Steel wool is useful for plugging the tiny cracks and crevices that pests use to enter a house.
To begin with, steel wool is tough but flexible so that it can be pushed into crevices of varying sizes and forms. Steel wool is unpleasant for rodent pests to chew through because the sharp edges hurt them the more they attempt to chew through it.
Unlike many other pest control options, you can safely use steel wool around your home without worrying about your pets or children ingesting harmful chemicals.
Methods For Repelling Mice Using Steel Wool
Medium-grade steel pads are your best bet for getting clear of mice. Here’s how to use them effectively against rodents:
- Cut off as much steel fibre as you think you’ll need. For all four, hand protection from splinters and slivers is a must.
- If you need to, separate some of the fibres and shake them out.
- Investigate potential entry and breeding points around your house. Your home’s windows, vents, and base should all be inspected for any signs of water damage.
- Steel wool for mice should be pressed into the cracks and crevices. Be careful to pack it in as tightly as possible.
If you put in the time and effort, you won’t have to worry about rodents again. Steel wool was also used with caulking by some purchasers as an anchor. As an extra deterrent, you could spray natural mouse repellents.
Can We Trust It?
If you want to keep rodents out of your house, use steel wool for mice. The type of steel wool you employ makes a difference, though. Steel fibre is typically sold in fine, medium, and coarse grits.
For effective mouse prevention, use fine or middling steel wool. Mice are notorious for chewing through anything, including steel wool. However, coarse steel wool can be difficult to work with. You’ll need a flexible material that can be shaped to fit awkward spaces and seal off openings.
This task is ideally suited to medium steel wool, which is less abrasive than coarse steel wool. It’s not as soft as fine steel wool, so mice can’t gnaw through it. People who want to keep rodents out of their homes typically pair medium steel wool with silicone caulking. This aids in sealing the wool in position, making it more resistant to being pushed out of the way by mice.
Conclusion
Use medium-grade steel wool to repel blue bottle flies. Lower-quality steel wool won’t repel pests, and higher-quality steel wool won’t fit into tiny cracks and crevices. Medium grade is flexible and rigid, making it a sturdy barrier.