Arrghh Pesky Critters--How To Keep Them Away From My Vehicle

[jh]

Have not driven my pickup truck much since the virus and noticed when I drove it this week something was amiss. Driver's side signal was blinking too fast. Bulb burned out I suspected but upon opening hood notice a small branch on that side. Doh! This is not good. Looking around more wires to headlamp on driver's side chewed up along with part of the air intake plastic. Probably squirrel(s) since the area was pretty tight next to the hood. We have a carport for the car and concrete pad next to it for the truck. Going to be a costly repair.

Wifey found in the storage building a product called Shot Gun Repels All which I will try around the vehicles I guess.

Other options one could try? Experiences and what worked?

[Dennis S]

Maybe try pepper spray. Spray something oily first so it will hang around.

[Schpark]

I stuff Bounce dryer sheets around my motorcycle and boat and have not had any critter issues.

[hal]

This is common problem in high mountain areas. One trailhead parking lots is notorious and if you don't take the proper precautions, you likely will NOT be able to get down off the mountain.

Here's advice on parking there (you won't like it): https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/marmots.htm

ps - they used to say that building a little fence with chicken wire was a good easy way to protect, but the marmots got smart - maybe it would work on your varmints.

[Dennis S]

Mix cayenne pepper into Vaseline and rub it onto the wires and exposed areas. Maybe add peppermint oil for good measure.

[macphanatic]

Schpark wrote:
I stuff Bounce dryer sheets around my motorcycle and boat and have not had any critter issues.

This.

Problem is that in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, someone decided to insulate automotive wires with a soy based product. Idiot never thought about it attracting critters.

[Dennis S]

macphanatic wrote:
[quote=Schpark]
I stuff Bounce dryer sheets around my motorcycle and boat and have not had any critter issues.

This.

Problem is that in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, someone decided to insulate automotive wires with a soy based product. Idiot never thought about it attracting critters.
I bought some Walmart brand toilet paper and mice tried to eat it. I guess soy or some other food-like substance was used to make it.

[Wags]

The squirrels stuffed sunflower seeds up the tailpipe of my motorcycle one year. It coughed mightily and belched them out all over the garage.

[Ombligo]

Any effective rodent repellant will work, though you will need to reapply it on a regular basis.

[Racer X]

macphanatic wrote:
[quote=Schpark]
I stuff Bounce dryer sheets around my motorcycle and boat and have not had any critter issues.

This.

Problem is that in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, someone decided to insulate automotive wires with a soy based product. Idiot never thought about it attracting critters.
And there is a vinyl insulation plasticizer that is almost a chemical match for fish oil. Cat crack-infused power cables.