Keeping Mice Out: How to Rodent-Proof Your Prairie Home with Spray Foam and Smarter Sealing
Living in the countryside of the Canadian Prairies—whether in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba—means beautiful wide-open spaces… and an ongoing battle with mice. As temperatures drop, rural homes become prime targets for rodents seeking warmth and shelter. And while insulation is essential for surviving long prairie winters, it’s often no match for determined mice.
Mice Chew Through Every Type of Insulation
It’s a common misconception that mice won’t bother with certain types of insulation. In reality, mice can and will chew through fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool, and even spray foam. Their teeth are incredibly strong, and they instinctively gnaw on materials to keep them filed down. If they think there’s warmth, food, or nesting material behind that insulation, they’ll make a path—even through dense closed-cell foam.
Is Spray Foam Useless Against Rodents?
Not quite. Spray foam is still a valuable tool—especially for sealing gaps, cracks, and hard-to-reach areas. But on its own, it won’t stop mice. The trick is to reinforce spray foam with materials mice can’t chew through.
How to Rodent-Proof Using Spray Foam and Other Materials
Here’s a proven method for keeping mice out:
- Identify Common Entry Points
- Around pipes, vents, dryer exhausts, utility holes, foundation cracks, basement windows, and under siding.
- Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime.
- Use a Layered Approach
- Spray foam + Steel Wool or Copper Mesh: Fill larger gaps with steel wool or copper mesh, then seal over it with spray foam. The metal deters chewing while the foam seals airflow.
- Use Pest-Resistant Spray Foam: Products like Great Stuff Pestblock are infused with bitter-tasting additives to discourage chewing (though they’re not foolproof).
- Protect Larger Openings: For bigger gaps or high-traffic areas like barns or sheds, cover with metal flashing, cement, or galvanized hardware cloth.
- Clean and Clear the Perimeter
- Remove debris, tall grass, and firewood from around the foundation.
- Seal up feed storage and pet food bins tightly.
Helpful Resources:
In prairie country, mice aren’t just a nuisance—they can do serious damage and bring health risks. Spray foam is part of the solution, but not the whole answer. Reinforce your seals with chew-proof materials, and your home will be warmer, safer, and far less attractive to unwanted winter guests.
Related posts:
✅ Understanding the insulation R-value
✅ Spray Foam Insulation for Shops, Quonsets, and Pole Barns
ProFoam Insulators from Swift Current are insulation experts, we’d love to answer your insulation questions. Give us a call!
In Swift Current:
Telephone: 306-773-3606
Cellular: 306-537-9529
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