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Topic: Rodents (Read 1006 times) previous topic - next topic

Rodents

 I live in a pine forest and the red squirrels are filling the FT basement with pine cones. I think they are getting inside through the rear and front cable tray openings. I did a search and steel wool was mentioned. I was thinking about spray foam insulation. It would make it harder to change wires and hoses in the cable tray when the time comes, but it would seal things better. I have declared war on the squirrels but they seem to be winning. Spray foam a good idea? Thanks, Mark

Re: Rodents

Reply #1 –
We have used both, the other problem with the foam is getting the can up to the cable tray area and be able to spray it at the same time. On this coach we have used stainless steel wool. We have also used brass wool.

Pamela

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Reply #2 –
Rats ate through long HDMI cables twice within a couple of days of installation in the belly tray. Finally, used vinyl split wrap and put the cable inside it. No problems since but they play on the engine.  Can't leave the entry door open while inside parked here at the house or mice jump on the steps and hide inside.

Pierce

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Reply #3 –
I'm not sure about squirrels or rats, but Irish Spring bar soap (Original) is thought by some to keep mice away.  I put bars every couple of feet on the floor of the bays just inside the doors and at each potential entry point.  No mice problem since I started the practice.

Re: Rodents

Reply #4 –
FWIW
The steel wool is something the squirrels will not chew through. The nice thing about the foam is that it will hold the metallic wool in place.  I think the foam by itself will not stop them as they can chew right through that (and probably would).  That dang metallic wool is not nearly so easy to chew though.  I like the idea of both for the not palatable and staying put quite well with the foam. Best of Travels.

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Reply #5 –
Hi Mark,
  If you use the spray foam you can get a rodent/pest resistant type from Great Stuff. Work like other foams.
Raymond

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Reply #7 –
This ad shows an 80's FT on fire, I assume from mouse crap and mouse eaten wiring.  First time I have seen that photo.  Terrible.
Gary B

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Reply #8 –
We had red squirrels get into our TT and spend the winter.....caused thousands in damage.  We now use the Irish Spring, as already posted, we put 2 bars in each compartment and I cut down the 2main trees they were nesting in.  No problems with out FT...so far!

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Reply #9 –
Thanks to all for the tips. I used steel wool, spray foam (rodent resistant), two dogs, energized lead pellets and I hope the problem is solved. Thanks again, Mark

Re: Rodents

Reply #10 –
I wired a five meter LED 12V light strip into the engine compartment and leave it on all the time as a varmint deterrent. Seems to work well in conjunction with the steel wool, bottom 1/4 of aluminum pop cans containing cotton balls and 100% pure peppermint oil.

Liked Steve & Michelle's idea of brass wool instead of steel wool because brass dos not rust.

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Reply #11 –
Energized lead pellets are the best!

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Reply #12 –
Careful when applying the energized lead pellets, they can do damage to expensive tires  :))

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Reply #13 –
In my "rodent wars' of 10 years ago, in addition to the steel wool and foam at the tray ends, I also inserted fine mesh woven steel wire into the vent hoses.  It seemed that the small varmints came into the utility bay along with the electric cable and then made their way into the inside of the coach using the heating vents as a highway to all sections of the coach.  Found a stash of pinon nuts under the couch!  That is when I ramped up my rodent campaign.  No troubles since.  andy1
 

Re: Rodents

Reply #14 –
Nitehawk, the brass wool may be best and least cost, do not know.  But I found very cheap stainless steel on amazon, so if that works for someone, give that a try.  I use the peppermint oil that someone suggested some threads ago, and lights under the engine area.  LEDs