Hi. We have been living in our Strawbale home in mid- Missouri for 22 years now. I purchased it and land in 2004. So far, it’s been great but not without issues, most of which have been mentioned here. We do share our home with various insects ( mason bees love our south side cob part below the windows, spiders inside ( they eat the brown recluses). Occasionally squirrels in rafters under metal roof; mice of course.
Humid summers are the biggest problem. But we’ve solved that partially by using an efficient mini split to cool/ dehumidify.
The earth plaster has held up really well. Mud daubers love it and blend right in.
Our heat comes from an owner- built thermal mass stove- it’s been great. It’s well away from any straw walls.
Our big remodel project will involve removing one straw bale wall this summer. Blending into the SB wall hopefully won’t be an issue as the 6 foot overhang is being utilized as roof over a cordwood wall for a badly needed kitchen addition. We will be learning how to deal with removing that straw bale wall soon! Chicken wire over bales with earth plaster over ( plaster is recyclable!)
Anyways, living in this straw bale home has been a blessing. Cheers!
