Curious if anyone’s tried those ultrasonic repellers? My neighbor swears by them but I’m skeptical.
I’ve wondered about those too. My uncle put a couple in his garage and claims he hasn’t seen a mouse since, but honestly, I’m not convinced it’s not just luck or maybe the neighborhood cats doing the real work. Anyone actually see less chewing or droppings after plugging those in?
Also, totally agree on the tarps—mine look like Swiss cheese after a season. Contractor bags are decent, but I’ve had mice chew through even those if there’s food scent left behind. Ever try lining bins with steel wool around the lid? I heard that can help, but haven’t tested it myself.
Ever try lining bins with steel wool around the lid? I heard that can help, but haven’t tested it myself.
Steel wool’s not a bad idea—mice hate chewing through it, but I’ve seen them get creative and just find another weak spot. I tried those ultrasonic things in a couple of my storage units and honestly, the only thing they seemed to repel was my peace of mind (the blinking lights are annoying at night). Anyone else notice if certain brands work better, or is it all just snake oil? Also, has anyone found a tarp that actually survives more than one winter? I’m starting to think they’re all designed to self-destruct.
Steel wool does work for a while, but I’ve seen determined mice just push it aside or find the tiniest gap you missed. I had a client who stuffed every crack in his shed with steel wool and caulk, only to discover the little guys squeezed in through a gap in the floorboards instead. It’s like they’re running a masterclass in infiltration.
Those ultrasonic pest things? I’m with you—never noticed a difference except for the weird flickering lights. I even tried two different brands (one was supposed to be “industrial strength”), and all I got was a slightly annoyed dog and zero reduction in mouse droppings. Maybe they work for some folks, but I’m not convinced.
About tarps—don’t get me started. I’ve cycled through at least four brands over the past few years, and every single one ended up brittle or torn by spring. Even the so-called “heavy-duty” ones seem to just disintegrate if you get a rough winter or too much sun. The only exception was an old canvas tarp I inherited from my dad, which lasted way longer than any of the plastic ones, though it weighed a ton and smelled like old boots when wet. Makes me wonder if we’re just buying planned obsolescence at this point.
For spotting wear and tear, I always check the corners and seams first—tarps, bins, whatever. That’s where stuff gives out. If you see fraying or tiny holes, it’s usually just a matter of time before it fails completely. Learned that lesson after a tarp split down the middle during a rainstorm and turned my firewood pile into a soggy mess.
If anyone’s found something that actually holds up, I’d love to hear about it... but at this point, I’m half convinced nothing’s built to last anymore.
You nailed it with the corners and seams—that’s always where my stuff fails first, too. I’ve had the same issue with tarps, even the ones labeled “all-weather.” They just don’t last through a rough winter. The old canvas ones are heavy and awkward, but honestly, they outlast the plastic by years. I get what you mean about planned obsolescence... sometimes it feels like we’re just cycling through junk. At least you’re catching the weak spots before they turn into disasters. That’s half the battle.
The old canvas ones are heavy and awkward, but honestly, they outlast the plastic by years.
I hear you on the canvas tarps lasting longer, but I’ve actually had mixed results with them. Maybe it’s just my luck or the way I store them, but I’ve had a couple start to mildew or get stiff and crack after a few seasons—especially if I forget to dry them out properly before folding them up. The plastic ones are definitely more disposable, but for short-term jobs or covering stuff that’s not super critical, I don’t mind swapping them out every year or two.
I do get what you mean about planned obsolescence, though. It’s frustrating when even the “heavy-duty” stuff barely makes it through one winter. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth paying double for the “pro” versions, or if they’re just the same thing in a different color.
Anyway, I guess it comes down to how much hassle you’re willing to put up with—lugging around heavy canvas vs. tossing a ripped poly tarp in the trash. Neither one’s perfect, honestly.
