Keeping small critters out

[Volphin]

Re: Keeping small critters out

We have a cat. We had critters. Now we have a fat cat. But no critters.

The neighbors noticed my new large bird feeder mounted low in the back yard. They are "birders" and watch them and take notes on what they see as their hobby. They asked why I bought a bird feeder so big and placed it so low. I told them it was a gift. For the cat.

V

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Keeping small critters out

Family of squirrels moved into my boat.
One by one I hunted them down with a pellet gun.
I now have an open fire on sight policy for squirrels, up to and including the shot gun.
My wife is not happy I dispatched them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjYLRLwphcs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Ya6z-NlDo&NR=1

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Re: Keeping small critters out

I use Downy dryer sheets in my camper.Put them in every drawer,closet,cabinet.Smells like a laundry mat but they work.No mice.

 

[geneseo1911]

Re: Keeping small critters out

I was just discussing this with a friend yesterday, and he mentioned that he had read mice use "urine trails" to navigate. Disgusting. Anyway, anything that can interfere enough with their sense of smell, they will avoid.

In the past we have tried dryer sheets, and they made nests with them, although the trick may be finding the right (read:stinky) brand. We have used mothballs to protect the seed corn for years, with about 80% success. In our experience, putting bait in/around vehicles encourages them to nest in the vehicle, eat the bait, and die in the vehicle. The only thing worse than chewed up seats is piles of dead, rotting mice. Trust me.

I'm going to try peppermint oil this winter as I've read only good reports on it. As far as the boat goes, I'm going to try to get it out of the barn and into the shed where we feed the cats. I'm sure that will mean cat hair in the spring, but it's still better than mice. The other problem with the barn is that it often has possums and raccoons, which make mice look like a blessing.

 

[RandyJ]

Re: Keeping small critters out

Moth balls keep lots of things out.. and smells better than dead critters.

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Keeping small critters out

One thing I forgot to mention. Make sure the boat is DRY before you store it for the winter. I winterized my last boat in the rain one year. Put the cover on, fortunately I took out the seats. In the spring when I took the cover off I had about a week's work to clean the white fuzz off everything. That and about 4dozen ddead flies in the boat. I got lucky and lots of hard work took care of it, so permanent damage was done. Some RV owners use "DampRid" to keep moisture out.

http://www.damprid.com/products

 

[mohead1]

Re: Keeping small critters out

I havent had a boat for about 12 years, but now that I do again, Im kinda worried about the rodents myself. I dont remember issues all those years ago, and dont remember doing anything special either. But I live in the country, and have had mice in my RV already (little bastages). I guess I will be doing the mothball thing.

And the squirrel launching, now that was some funny sh*t!! I laughed so hard.....I have GOT to do that......

 

[FarmerSid]

Re: Keeping small critters out

Sounds iffy but an older gentleman told be to put out portland cement powder out in a coffee jar sized lid. Rodents I guess like it but cats and dogs don't. Once they eat some, they get thirsty and go for water. They can't burp or vomit.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Keeping small critters out

Portland cement works on field mice but not vols. Vols are best treated with d-con. All non-friendly rodents should be treated to d-con. Keeping them out with mothballs or dryer sheets might solve that problem but the real problem is still there unless you irradicate the rodent and it's off spring. D-Con is good for this because they eat as much as they want but live long enough to carry quite a bit back to the nest. I fought it for two years trying to be politically correct but I finally went on a killing spree and I'm much happier with the results.