Washington, DC 路 Member since 2016 路 129 posts 路 42 votes
I watched a video that did live testing and mice can fit through holes smaller than a dime, and actually can fit through gaps even more easily. What are your best methods to deal with mice in your properties esp single fam?
I have a house planning to replace pipe in crawlspace with PEX but concerned about mice chewing through it and causing a major leak. Not sure if the answer is a) nothing I can do about it, b) put a wireless water meter to help detect leaks on it (how does this work for a rental where the internet is theirs?) c) Cover the joist bays that the pipes run through (with what? plastic? wood? Foam? d) set mouse traps and check them often (not a set it and forget it option and dead animals can stink, hard to check traps in a crawlspace regularly no?) e) something else?
*( Youtube Shawn Woods - How Small of Hole Can Mice Fit Through? Proof Mice Can Squeeze in a Hole Smaller Than A Dime)
We've replaced many entire houses with pex, including the crawlspaces and basements. We NEVER had a problem with mice chewing the plastic (over the last 12+ years).
One method of keeping the lil critters out is to parge around the foundation on the outside. Also, planting mint or peppermint around the foundation is a known deterrent to mice.
One other note: mice have poor eyesight, so they mainly stay close to a wall. If your lines are running along the floor joists towards the center of the space, you should be free of mice damage.
Oh, and by the way, having a wireless alarm for a water leak in the basement is always a good idea!