MF%$&*(%#@%*! Squirrels

[FI300]

The problem with Fords vehicule’s (maybe others too), is the Soya coating on the electrical wires. This coating makes the wires look like breakfast to rodents.

Not just a Ford issue, I have see rodents eat the wiring on many different brands.

Sponsored

 

[Severdog]

I've got bigger issues.

 

[WhiteLightningnshitshadow]

Airguns can get really quiet. I have a rabbit problem that Ive been very successful with. Never had any wires chewed up though. If not an airgun, maybe a trap or something could work. Use a rat trap with a peanut on it?

Hell, I even got one with a homemade bow.

Be extremely careful. Even with rabbits, which are much larger than squirrels, over penetration is a guarantee with even a .177 air rifle shooting big "flying ashtray" crow mags at barely 600fps at 10 yards.

I would never even consider using my AR with the .22 conversion shooting CCI Quiets (40gr I think at like 700fps). It's way too loud without a suppressor, but that bullet would be overkill for sure if you aren't shooting at a downward angle. With a suppressor though, it's literally more quiet than any airgun I've ever used. The hammer drop is the only sound.

 

[HammaMan]

Varmint rounds are a amazing for such tasks. Pops most small animals with the right caliber without over penetration issues. Usually end up with 1/2 to 3/4 of it left.

 

[Rinn69]

I've been using a WCS tube trap for a few years now just to keep them in check. I blocked off one end with some 1/4" hardware cloth/screen. I have it mounted on a board attached to a fence post. Bait with peanuts, leave a couple at the entrance to entice them in. I used a small flat file to cut a small (1/16") flat area on the dog (the round rod that holds the trap set). This will give it a "hair trigger" so as soon as the tree rat steps on the pan, it goes off. We call it a night latch since it can give a little click when it engages.

 

[Mtnman1]

Wondering if anyone out there has had any success with a squirrel deterrent. 3rd time since February with chewed wires, I've used the sprays, mothballs, cayenne pepper etc. etc. Unfortunately I live in the city so blowing them away without being arrested is not an option. Doing the humane thing is no longer a concern, just wondering what if any successful approaches you guys have taken.

Sure its squirrels? I had mice issues. Found a nest when replacing the cabin air filter.

Bought some peppermint oil spray from one of those hippie stores.

Kept mice and chipmunks away. Not sure about their larger cousin...

 

[Stealth88]

Down here in the suburbs of DFW Texas we have a green space behind our property and we have squirrels and the dreaded field mice, which are more like rats. Everything is bigger in Texas!

Found my son’s mustang and my truck had evidence of them getting under the hood. They almost got into some of my wiring, but I caught it in time. Turns out when we park the vehicles front first towards the house, the critters got under the hoods. They hug structure as they mosey along and sense the heat of the vehicles and went in to make a home. A holes!!!

We started backing in and they went away.

Also, it is key to keep food sources out of their reach. We feed wild birds, so we put baffles on the shepherd hooks to prevent them from having access to the feeders, and this is the first winter that we haven’t had the mice trying to make a home in our pool/patio area. Rats and squirrels are climbers, and when they are deterred, they go elsewhere.

It’s a constant battle.

 

[Azstroke]

My 3 month old truck is currently at the dealer to have the entire wiring harness replaced. I live on the edge of the Coconino national forest and squirrels are everywhere. They chewed though a half dozen places on the harness, glad I have comprehensive insurance because it's a 4K fix.

I have a friend that works for Honda and he tells me that Honda, Toyota and Subaru have all stopped using the soy/corn based wire insulation, but Ford, GM and Dodge continue to do so.

 

[Je1279]

I moved to a semi-rural area a few years ago and was worried about rodents chewing on wires in our vehicles. However, I quickly realized that the feral cats and hawks do an excellent job with rodent control in our area.

 

[Eskram]

They haven't (so far) messed with the truck. They do love chewing on my roof vent stacks though..

 

[dochawk]

However, I quickly realized that the feral cats and hawks do an excellent job with rodent control in my area.

This.

I'm in the suburbs in Las Vegas. While a hawk occasionally comes around, there three feral cats that used rotoroam the neighborhood kept it denuded of mice and rats.

Unfortunately, we're down to one, and the vermin are coming back.

 

[VRFlyer]

Squirrels are some of the oddest rats out there, where we live they really don't mess with cars too much, they do however F-Up any plants you've planted or potted, they dig to the root(s) and eat them up, again odd behavior. My SO has nearly spent at least $700 on plant & replacements since Mother's Day weekend.

Sponsored