Although mice are quite common in the attic, it’s not unusual to find evidence in the basement and garage. In winter, colder weather can drive mice into warm parts of the house, like the attic. Attics make for an ideal habitat for mice. But they can also contaminate the environment, and be quite destructive. Mice have been known to chew through electrical wires, fiberglass insulation batts, and rigid foam insulation. Worst-case scenario, evidence of mice (in any part of a house) can cause problems when its time to sell the place. The best is to stop mice from even entering.
There are certainly some stopgap measures to prevent mice from getting into the house. But the most effective option is to seal the home tightly with an application like spray foam insulation. And while the spray foam product is definitely preventive, it won’t be very effective if the mice have already inhabited a space. Generally, mice have no attraction to spray foam insulation, as it doesn’t represent a food source. And if a mouse should somehow enter the attic space (even after installation), the spray foam envelope has no material content that mice would want to eat.
The fact is, spray foam insulation is a high quality home insulating product. But because it’s such an exceptional sealer, one of the advantages is that it keeps out mice. For those homeowners who have decided to install spray foam insulation in the attic, most of the benefits are associated with upgraded insulation, improved moisture control, and enhanced indoor comfort. The additional benefit, of course, is a well-sealed space that prevents mice from coming in. Most importantly, spray foam insulation is an installation best handled by professionals. This approach will assure a job well done, along with the best long-term results.