Keep rats and mice away from your home with this simple $1 item
Nobody likes the thought of dealing with a pest problem, especially when you've spotted the telltale signs you have mice.
As the weather warms up, this also marks the peak of the breeding season for mice and rats. Since pests are always in search of warmth, sources of food and shelter, rodents can easily make their way into your property through holes and cracks.
But if you don't want to spend a fortune on pest control call-outs, there is a simple, and cheaper hack that could keep rodents out — and this costs as little as $1.
According to experts, all you need is steel wool.
Although we might often clean with this handy scourer, this non-toxic material can be used to block any entry points and gaps around the home, preventing rodents from getting inside.
In addition, while rodents are known to chew through just about anything, this is the one material that they can't sink their teeth into.
"Mice can squeeze through the tiniest gaps, but one material they can't chew through is steel wool," says Chris Hutton, storage expert at Adam Selfstore to the Express.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
'Just pack gaps around pipes or skirting boards with steel wool and seal with caulk for extra protection."
Not only can rats and mice become a nuisance, but they can cause serious damage to your property by chewing on woodwork, electrical cables or gas and water pipes.
Steel wool makes a simple yet effective barrier to seal any potential entry points for unwanted pests. This can be bought for as little as $1 in your local homeware store or you can buy in bulk online.
This assorted grade steel wool can be put to use for many things around the home. And if you want to prevent a rodent infestation, this is ideal for blocking entry points.
Simply go around your home and yard looking for any entry points that could invite rodents in. These could include holes or gaps in brickwork, baseboards, around pipes and vent openings.
Then tightly fill with steel wool, sealing any small holes in your foundation, siding, and doorway. If you want extra protection, you can also use caulk or strong adhesive.
In addition, you could also use weather-stripping such as Foam Insulation Tape, Weather Stripping Door Seal Strip as a barrier around doorways. The more difficult you make it for rodents to enter your property, the less likely they will return.
Alternatively, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or citronella are known to repel rodents too.
So if you don't want to attract rats and mice to your home this season, this simple steel wool hack might keep them out for good.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Marcie Jones, Australian Singer of Marcie & The Cookies, Dies at 79 After Announcing Leukemia Diagnosis
Marcie Jones, the lead singer of the Australian girl group Marcie & The Cookies, died on Friday, May 30 The singer's death comes days after she announced that she was diagnosed with leukemia Jones was planning a concert to celebrate her 80th birthday in late JuneMarcie Jones, lead singer of the Australian girl group Marcie & The Cookies, died on Friday, May 30. She was 79. Jones' death comes days after she announced that she was diagnosed with leukemia. "Sorry to start the day with rotten news. I am in hospital with [leukemia], starting treatment soon," she wrote on social media, per Express. "We are all feeling very scared but I'll fight as hard as I can." The Australian singer's death was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Lisa Asta, via Facebook on Saturday, May 31. "It's with great sadness to let you all know that my beautiful mother-in-law, Marcie Jones, passed away yesterday evening. I feel numb inside." "Marc, never again will there be our little outbursts of song and dance. You made me laugh so hard and always gave me great advice. You were a legend, an icon, and you will always be remembered," she continued. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "You always said that we were so alike in many ways, and that's why I know you will always be my guiding light." Asta concluded her post, writing, "I will miss you so much. I love you. Until we meet again to sing another song!" She included pictures of Jones, featuring her performing, smiling and making pasta. The Australian Recording Industry Association also paid tribute to Jones on Instagram, calling her a "true pioneer of Australian music." Jones was born in 1945 in Melbourne, Australia, according to Noise11. She started performing at 15, joining the Thunderbirds at Canterbury Ballroom and Preston Town Hall, according to her website. She and sisters Margaret, Beverley and Wendy formed Marcie & The Cookies in 1967, becoming a refreshing entry into a male-dominated music scene. They were known for songs such as "I Would If I Could," and "All or Nothing," along with a cover of "White Christmas." The group toured in Europe, Asia and throughout the U.K. In the early '70s, Jones signed with Warner Music and embarked on a solo career, releasing That Girl Jones in 1974. The album included the song "Gonna Get Married," which Noise11 reports reached No. 37 on the Australian music charts. Jones shared the stage with the Monkees, the Seekers, Cliff Richard and Tom Jones. She also toured with Gene Pitney five times. She released the album Here I Am in 2005. In March, ahead of what would be her 80th birthday, Jones posted about holding a concert to celebrate the milestone year. "I retired last year very quickly and without much thought. It caused an uproar with my family. So I am doing one more for my 80th and celebrating 65 yrs in showbuisness," she wrote on Facebook. "Who would have thought it would last that long. I will put up details of bookings later for those who would love to join me. It will be on the 29th of June in the afternoon at the Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor," continued her post. "More details closer to the date." Jones added: "It will be my journey with many friends and music and film. I want it to be a hell of a party. So if you want to join me hold that date. Much love. Marcie xxxx." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris dies aged 85 as fans pay tribute
Barbara Ferris, who played Nona Willis in Coronation Street, had died aged 85, according to reports. She starred in 10 episodes of the popular ITV soap and then left, admitting trying to act with a Lancashire accent was difficult. Ferrie died on May 23 with her cause of death not yet confirmed, reports the Express. She started playing barmaid Nona Willis back in 1961 and went on to have a career over several decades. Sad to hear of the passing of Barbara Ferris - she appeared in some great films but my favourites has to be Sparrows Can't Sing and Catch Us If You Can obviously coz of Yootha and Brian ! RIP Barbara ♥️ — 𝖸𝗈𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖺 𝖩𝗈𝗒𝖼𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝗇♡︎ (@devotedtoyootha) June 2, 2025 Barbara played roles in several films and TV shows including Catch Me If You Can, The Krays and more. She then went on to support her husband with his international jobs" target="_blank">work and committed to family life which saw them live in Zurich, Ireland and London, the Express explained. Barbara was born in London to Dorothy and Roy Ferris and was the youngest of two children. As a student at the Italia Conti stage school, she took on pantomimes and commercials to support her family, The Mirror reports. Recommended reading: Corrie's Sue Cleaver reveals 'perfect' exit storyline and date of final scenes Former Coronation Street star spotted working 'normal job' after being axed Coronation Street star signs new ITV contract ahead of Emmerdale crossover Fans of hers have shared tributes following the news of her death. One shared on X: 'Sad to hear of the passing of Barbara Ferris - she appeared in some great films but my favourites has to be Sparrows Can't Sing and Catch Us If You Can obviously coz of Yootha and Brian ! RIP Barbara', sharing pictures of the actress. Another said: 'Some sad news RIP Barbara Ferris born 27 July 1939; died 23 May 2025'.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
Princess Diana's Childhood Home Burns: Brother Blames 'Vandals'
Princess Diana's childhood home was targeted by arsonists says her brother, Charles Spencer. The 9th Earl Spencer said on Instagram that one of Althorp House's unoccupied farmhouses was burnt to the ground and he suspects foul play. Althorp House is the childhood home of Charles, Diana, and their sisters Sarah and Jane and it is where the earl resides today. In an Instagram story, Spencer wrote, per Express, "Stunned to learn that one of Althorp House's farmhouses - fortunately, unoccupied at the time - was apparently burnt down by vandals last night. With thanks to @northantsfire for doing their very best. So very sad that anyone would think this a fun thing to do." Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue shared their own Instagram post regarding the incident on Instagram. A photo showed the burned structure and a caption which read, "The Service remains on scene after a fire on Mill Lane in Kingsthorpe. We were called at around 1:30am this morning (May 28) and crews arrived to find an unoccupied two-story property fully on fire." It continued, "At the height of the fire, four crews from across the Service wearing breathing apparatus used hose-reel jets to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. This morning, one crew remains on the scene with a water bowser to continue dampening down any remaining hotspots." The property covers approximately 13,000 acres. In total, Althorp estate contains 28 listed buildings and structures. Spencer, the 9th Earl, has resided at Althorp since 1992 since inheriting the estate upon his father's death. He remains the home's owner and caretaker of the home, and for 32 decades, the main house has been his primary residence. The Spencer family moved to Althorp in 1975 when Diana's father, John Spencer, became the 8th Earl. She lived there with her family members before moving to London in 1979. After marrying then-Prince Charles in 1980, the late princess regularly returned to Althorp for family visits. After her death at the age of 36 in a car crash in Paris, France, in August 1997, Diana returned to her ancestral home one last time for burial. Per PEOPLE, the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry is interred on an island in the center of an ornamental lake known as The Oval. The gravesite is not accessible to the public. However, visitors can pay tribute to the late Princess of Wales at a memorial erected on the property. Althorp Estate is opened to the public every year throughout the summer months. Visitors can tour the State Apartments, Diana's suite of rooms, the estate's gardens, her memorial, a museum of Spencer family artifacts, and the family chapel. Princess Diana's Childhood Home Burns: Brother Blames 'Vandals' first appeared on Parade on May 28, 2025
