If you've had problems with mice coming into your home in the past, then there is always the chance that you'll have the same problem again in the future. You may well have got rid of the original rodents; however, there's no guarantee that others won't see your home as an attractive option.

If you know how mice have been getting into your home, then mouse-proofing measures might help keep them out. For example, using steel wool to block entry points is effective.

How does steel wool keep mice out and how should you use it?

Why Don't Mice Like Steel Wool?

Mice can chew through a surprising number of materials to get into a home. They can go through wood, plastics and even some metals, for example. However, they tend to leave steel wool alone.

A mouse could technically chew through a piece of steel wool; however, it probably won't try to, especially if you use a coarse grade. Steel wool is full of sharp edges and pointy bits. Mice generally won't risk cutting themselves on this material, so they leave it alone.

What's the Best Way to Use Steel Wool?

The basic aim of using steel wool is to fill the holes, gaps and cracks that mice use as entry and exit points. If mice keep away from the material, then they can't use the area for access.

However, its not enough to simply stuff pieces of steel wool into the places you think mice travel through. Mice are bright enough to know not to chew through steel wool; they're also bright enough to know they can push or pull it out of place with their teeth or feet without needing to chew it.

For the best results, it's a good idea to add some sticking power to the steel wool. If a mouse can't move the wool, then it can't clear the access point.

When you buy your steel wool, add a gap filler or sealant (such as caulk) to your trolley. Before you put the steel wool in a hole, cover it with the filling material. This should stick the wool in place so that a mouse can't move it out of the way.

While steel wool can keep mice out of a hole or gap, it might not solve your problem completely. It only works if you know that mice use that access point; they may have others that you don't know about. 

If you're having recurrent rodent problems, contact a pest control specialist. They can get rid of any mice you have at the moment and help you identify areas of weakness that might be allowing mice into your home so you can seal them up. Look for a local pest control service near you for more information.