I’ve always wondered if it’s even possible to find every last gap, especially in houses that have had a few “updates” over the years. Metal flashing seems solid, but I’ve seen squirrels chew right through aluminum in my neighbor’s place—no joke. Has anyone tried using that heavy-duty mesh or even concrete board in tricky spots? Or is it just a losing battle if the critters are determined enough? Sometimes I think they’re smarter than the inspectors...
I’ve been down this road with a 1950s place that’s had more “updates” than I can count. Here’s what worked for me: First, I went around with a flashlight at dusk, inside and out, looking for any light peeking through. Then I stuffed steel wool in the smaller gaps and used hardware cloth (the 1/4” stuff) for bigger holes—stapled it tight and sealed edges with caulk. Squirrels haven’t gotten through that yet, but they did chew right through some old aluminum flashing before. Concrete board is overkill unless you’re desperate, but I get the temptation. Honestly, you’ll never find every gap, but you can make it tough enough that most critters give up and move on to easier pickings.
Squirrels haven’t gotten through that yet, but they did chew right through some old aluminum flashing before. Concrete board is overkill unless you’re desperate, but I get the temptation.
That flashlight trick is genius—never thought to do it at dusk, but it makes so much sense. I totally get the “you’ll never find every gap” thing. My place is only from the 70s, but I swear it’s got more holes than Swiss cheese. It’s weirdly comforting to know I’m not the only one fighting off determined squirrels.
That flashlight trick is a lifesaver, especially in older places where you just know there’s a hidden gap somewhere. I’ve tried it at dusk and was honestly shocked by how many little pinholes of light showed up along the soffits and around the crawlspace vents. It’s like the house is daring critters to find their way in.
Funny thing—one of my tenants swore up and down that squirrels were getting in through the attic, but after sealing what felt like every possible entry, they still heard scratching. Turned out, the little guys had chewed right through a plastic vent cover behind some bushes. Never would’ve found it without crawling around with a flashlight and a lot of patience.
I get what you mean about concrete board feeling like overkill. I’ve used hardware cloth in a few spots, and it’s held up better than flashing, but nothing’s totally squirrel-proof. Sometimes I wonder if these houses just settle in weird ways over the years, making new gaps as they go. Makes you appreciate the stubbornness of both the squirrels and the folks trying to keep them out.
I’m starting to think my house is basically a squirrel amusement park. I did the flashlight thing too, and honestly was not ready for just how many tiny gaps there were—like, where do they even come from? My place isn’t that old (built in 2001), but it’s settled enough to make me wonder if the inspector was off by a few decades.
I tried hardware cloth over the vents after finding chewed plastic bits all over the yard. It’s holding up, but I swear these critters treat it like a personal challenge. I get what you’re saying about concrete board—seems like a lot, but after seeing what they can chew through, I’m tempted.
Funny thing is, every time I patch one spot, another shows up somewhere else. Maybe it’s just the way these houses shift over time, or maybe squirrels have a sixth sense for weak spots. Either way, I’ve learned to keep a flashlight and a roll of mesh handy... and to never underestimate a determined rodent.
