Do yurts keep out pests?

[NamebrandHipster]

Hello, I'm new here. Trying to buy my first home, and a yurt (from what I know so far) seems to fit my lifestyle the best.

I've been exploring every aspect of yurt life, but one that is important to me is pests. Specifically rodents.
I actually moved out of an apartment after a month simply because it had shrews in it. I'm mortally terrified of rodents.

My Question: Do yurts keep out rodents well? What about bugs? I live in Alaska where shrews are plentiful. I know that I'm going to be purchasing a yurt from Nomad Shelters, sense they seem to be a quality local company.

Thank you!

[Bob Rowlands]

Yurts are covered with cloth. I would think a shrew could chew through any wall material if motivated to get inside. Having a cat or dog would possibly alleviate that issue. Good luck.

[TSRalex]

Originally Posted by Bob Rowlands

Having a cat or dog would possibly alleviate that issue. Good luck.

In Alaska lynx & fox would be an local solution. 😁

[Jafo]

I have yet to have a mouse chew through the polyester siding on my Pacific Yurt, but I have had mice inside mostly because I have a plastic water pipe running out the skirt of the yurt. I think they are no more prone to getting rodents than any other structure.

[NamebrandHipster]

I don't entirely understand how yurts are put together, but mine will be a permanent installation. Are there measures I could take to better seal it?
Such as spray foaming the seam at the base?

[YurterRT]

I order products from Ace Supply on line for rodent and snake repellants. I put out granules and spray with great results!!

[TSRalex]

Originally Posted by YurterRT

I order products from Ace Supply on line for rodent and snake repellants. I put out granules and spray with great results!!

You only would need snakes to clean up with rodents.....

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by NamebrandHipster

I don't entirely understand how yurts are put together, but mine will be a permanent installation. Are there measures I could take to better seal it?
Such as spray foaming the seam at the base?

The skirting on most engineered yurts is screwed to the platform. Putting weatherstripping on the skirt before screwing it down tightens it up pretty well. I don't think foam would be any better than that.

[Bob Rowlands]

I would not use 'Great Stuff' spray foam on yurt fabric. Canned spray foam works great for

insulation

and sealing around door and window jams, but sticks like nothing else I have ever seen on site. You would regret it if you had to pull the cover some later date. I have used 'great stuff' insulfoam at work and while it is a fine product, it isn't designed for use on yurt skirting.

[TSRalex]

Just reading in the glossary of Rainier Yurts:

Pursing Cable: The stainless steel cable that runs under the platform on the Eagle yurt. Marine grade “Jib-Hanks” secure the side wall to the pursing cable and allow for easy removal of the individual side wall panels. The unique design of using the pursing cable means that as the side wall turns a corner it is tensioned underneath which defends the yurt form rodents, insects, wind and

moisture

.