How to Use Steel Wool for Pest Control

I used to think that rodents and insects in my home were inevitable. But during our renovation two years ago, we paid special attention to blocking every opening a pest might be able to slip through. The result has been remarkable: while our neighbor practically has mice jumping out of his drawers, we have yet to host a single one, and I can count the number of spider sightings on my fingers.

One tool for pest-free success is something you probably already have under your kitchen sink: steel wool. More than just a versatile scrubbing tool, steel wool is also great for keeping the critters out. Here’s how to use steel wool for pest control.

What Is Steel Wool?

Steel wool, also known as wire wool, iron wool or wire sponge, is a small bundle of fine, flexible steel threads. Because steel is sharp, it can be used as an abrasive to clean items like cookware and polish metal.

“You’ll usually find steel wool sold for cleaning purposes, but it also has great applicability for pest control,” says Rocky Beninato, a certified exterminator and founder of Quality Affordable Pest Control.

Why Use Steel Wool for Pests?

Steel wool is a great way to block the small holes pests use to enter your home. It is tough but flexible, plus it can be pushed into cracks and crevices of all shapes and sizes. Pests like rats and mice hate chewing through steel wool since the sharp edges hurt them the more they try to chew. It’s also a non-toxic solution, so you can place it around your house without worrying about one of your pets or children getting into it.

“It’s easier and cheaper to keep pests out rather than try to eliminate them when they come in, and steel wool is a great option for pest exclusion,” says Beninato.

How to Keep Out Pests With Steel Wool

First, identify the places pests might enter your home. Here are some areas you should check for potential pest entry points:

• Around floor vents and dryer vents;
• Along the walls inside your attic;
• In your basement and laundry room floor drains;
• Along the walls in your basement or crawl space;
• Around the corners inside closets;
• Around any fireplaces/chimneys;
• Between floor and wall junctures;
• Around doors;
• Around the pipes under your sinks and washing machine;
• Inside, under and behind kitchen cabinets, refrigerators and stoves;
• Around the pipes leading to hot water heaters and furnaces.

Also, look for telltale signs like rodent droppings, which can lead you to pest entry points.

Once you find those points, “Fill them with tightly packed steel wool so that the pests are unable to pull it out or eat their way through it,” says Allan Bossel, Operations Expert at Bed Bug Exterminator. “Then seal it in place with caulk or expanding foam sealant for added resistance.”

But for holes larger than 1 inch, you’re probably better off filling those with wire mesh, since it has more structure to it and can span larger gaps, says Sean Hearn, Director of Business Development at All U Need Pest Control.

Steel Wool for Pest Control Pros and Cons

The benefits of using steel wool for pest control are that it’s:

• Inexpensive;
• Easy to manipulate; and
• Non-toxic (no chemicals or pesticides).

“It is highly effective against small rodents and insects,” says Bossel.

The downsides of using steel wool for pest control are that it:

• Can rust over time, especially in wet environments; and
• Steel fibers can be sharp, so always handle it with gloves.

“If it is not packed well enough or can be easily moved, mice will find a way around it or simply pull it out,” says Emory Matts, an entomologist and Technical Services Manager for Terminix.

Best Steel Wool for Pest Control

Choose medium or coarse-grade steel wool over a fine one, says Bossel. “The medium and coarse types offer a robust barrier without being too difficult to work with, whereas fine ones may not be strong enough to deter determined pests.”

Hearn also mentions steel wool products made specifically for the pest industry, such as Xcluder Rodent Fill. But “for very small holes, most steel wool products will do the trick.”

Beninato recommends copper mesh as an alternative to steel wool for pest control because it’s durable and doesn’t rust. “Unlike steel wool, copper mesh withstands moisture, which means it provides a longer-lasting solution for sealing entry points,” he says.

In vents, Matts recommends using fine galvanized wire mesh instead of steel wool, as that will better allow air to circulate.

FAQ

Is using steel wool for pest control safe?

Yes, it’s safe to use steel wool for pest control, but wear gloves while handling it to keep from getting splinters or scraped hands. Also, be mindful to keep it insulated it away from electrical wiring, since steel wool conducts electricity, says Bossel.

About the Experts

• Rocky Beninato is a certified exterminator and founder of Quality Affordable Pest Control, an eco-friendly and pet-safe pest control company based in Toronto.
• Allan Bossel is an Operations Expert at Bed Bug Exterminator. He has more than a decade of experience in professional pest extermination, during which time he also founded Michigan Bed Bug Specialists.
• Sean Hearn is Director of Business Development and an entomologist at All U Need Pest Control, a Pest Control Technology Top 100 Pest Control company.
• Emory Matts is a board certified entomologist and Technical Services Manager for Terminix. He has over 20 years of industry experience in pest identification, product evaluations, training and troubleshooting.