Battle with Mother Nature

drj211

drj211

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Jun 26, 2008
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I’m blessed to have several acres that backs up to another 20 acres or so. I try to get along with all the little creatures in my back yard, but they haven’t been playing nicely over the last couple months. This is the second time that some fuzzy little acorn muncher has chewed my wires. First occurrence cost $1500 to repair, and this one will be about $400. I purchased 2 electronic rodent deterrents and mounted them under the hood after the first event. Apparently the fuzzy bastards didn’t get the memo about being afraid of the noise/flashing light. I guess I’m going to try some peppermint oil/cayenne pepper to keep them away. I don’t want to destroy them, but am willing to go to war with them if need be. Any suggestions?

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Build a shed for the vehicle?
 
Might be rabbits. They can be a problem just like mice, rats etc., as the wires in cars often use a soy based insulation. Coyote urine might keep them away.
 
Martens or marten family. Also check the rubber covers around your differential, steering connectors, etc.

You can buy Coyote pee, not kidding.
 
No rabbits or weasels in my area that I’ve ever seen. We do have lots of coyotes in this area, so not sure if coyote pee would cause another problem!
 

Does Your Car Have Wiring That Rodents Think Is Tasty?​


Did you know^? Might this be your problem? Really sucks - sorry for your aggravation. My wife has been through this. :mad: Another car ago. Not an issue with our 2 vehicles now - knock on wood. The article does offer rodent abatement solutions and does not blame it all on the coating on the wires, still...
 
havent had issues with car wires, but do get mice that next in our vehicles which can cause it's own problems. Even my daily commuter car gets nest built in around the air intake. I check it every weekend and clean it out as needed. the more I've done it, the less its been an issue.

they have eaten wires on some of my outdoor equipment and typically have to do a spring assessment on all of them to clean nuts and nests out of exhausts and patch some wiring.

I dont have dogs or other outdoor pets so I can mouse poison in the garage, and if they are being a pain on particular vehicle I will use it there too.
I have zero issues sending rodents to the afterlife. not after the headaches and money they have cost me over the years.

you can try coyote or fox pee, it might work a bit but will need to be reapplied often. shouldn't cause issues by drawing them in. pepper or mint, etc. might all work for a bit, but it will all need to be reapplied and eventually they seem to get used to it.
 
l1ranger said:
havent had issues with car wires, but do get mice that next in our vehicles which can cause it's own problems. Even my daily commuter car gets nest built in around the air intake. I check it every weekend and clean it out as needed. the more I've done it, the less its been an issue.

they have eaten wires on some of my outdoor equipment and typically have to do a spring assessment on all of them to clean nuts and nests out of exhausts and patch some wiring.

I dont have dogs or other outdoor pets so I can mouse poison in the garage, and if they are being a pain on particular vehicle I will use it there too.
I have zero issues sending rodents to the afterlife. not after the headaches and money they have cost me over the years.

you can try coyote or fox pee, it might work a bit but will need to be reapplied often. shouldn't cause issues by drawing them in. pepper or mint, etc. might all work for a bit, but it will all need to be reapplied and eventually they seem to get used to it.
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I just bought a bunch of “lid traps” for 5 gallon buckets. I’m going to bait them up and spread them out along the area that I seem to have the biggest problem.
 
Let us know what you catch.

If it turns out to be rats, which may be too big for the "lid traps", you can make another type of bucket trap with a dowel, and a coke/beer can. Punch a hole in the top and bottom of the can, and put it on the dowel so it spins freely. Tape the dowel across the opening of the bucket, and put some peanut butter on the can. When the rat reaches out for the bait, the can will spin around, causing the rat to fall into the bucket. I'm sure there are videos on-line, showing how it works.
 
Triple_D said:
Let us know what you catch.

If it turns out to be rats, which may be too big for the "lid traps", you can make another type of bucket trap with a dowel, and a coke/beer can. Punch a hole in the top and bottom of the can, and put it on the dowel so it spins freely. Tape the dowel across the opening of the bucket, and put some peanut butter on the can. When the rat reaches out for the bait, the can will spin around, causing the rat to fall into the bucket. I'm sure there are videos on-line, showing how it works.
Click to expand...
That’s the beauty of the internet. Lots of info available about apprehending various rodents! According to my auto insurance company, rodent damage is very common around the country.
 
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