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Old 10-17-2017, 12:25 PM   #1
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Squirrel Damage??

We store our Class C in a secure storage area and finally got to use it for a short stay at a nearby campground after parking it after our return from Florida in late March.

During the 6 1/2 months of inactivity I have been starting & running the generator as well as the engine in which I have changed the oil as well as the generator.

When returning from the park (11 mi out - 11 miles back) the check engine light came on. I figured the light probably came on as a result of the old fuel - last filled in March so I made arrangements to take it into a local truck shop.

I just heard from them and it will take a day or so to replace lines that squirrels have enjoyed eating. The repair is not that expensive just time consuming.

Are other users here bothered with rodent damage and if so what is the solution to repel them. I know in the past some lines have been made from soy based plastic and that is like ringing the dinner bell for squirrels,

The camper is 3 years old with 22.8 k miles
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Old 10-17-2017, 12:38 PM   #2
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I didn't know squirrels did this. I do know rats are known for causing issues with eating wires
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Old 10-17-2017, 02:06 PM   #3
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Squirrels do eat wires and soy based insulation is like ringing a dinner bell. I had them chew the spout on several gas cans one winter, they are rats with bushy tails. Look under the vehicle and plug any hole larger than a 1/4”. As far as the engine compartment, good luck.
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Old 10-17-2017, 02:29 PM   #4
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Best deterrence is a couple of good cats. Have had squirrels chew up two trucks and have tried about everything. Some have had success with putting a light under the hood didn't seem to work for me. I have used a spray called Critter Ridder with some success but have to spray every couple weeks. The red squirrels seem to be the worst. Fresh cab and the laundry adds were no help.
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Old 10-17-2017, 02:49 PM   #5
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You might try mothballs around the exterior and in the engine compartment.
Naphthalene is pretty repulsive stuff just ask an old grandma.
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Old 10-17-2017, 02:58 PM   #6
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Ultrasonic transmitters will have some success. Shop Ebay and Amazon for mobile or 12v. Biggest problem with them is knowing if it is working or not. I turn it off and invite neighbors dog over - then turn it on.
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Old 10-17-2017, 06:08 PM   #7
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On my way back from MT to FL now. spent the summer in Great Falls. I thought it was ground squirrels that got to my Scion wiring. It turned out to be the rabbits. After installing sonic deterrents and putting peppermint oil canisters under the hood, I opened it one morning and found the biggest damn jack rabbit just laying on top of the exhaust shield. Since then I started putting a led work light under the hood over night in both the Scion and the motorhome. No more rabbits. I also had some moth balls in the motorhome underhood area. The Scion damage needed a tow to the dealer (as the throttle was not a cable but fly by wire) and about $130 in labor and parts. I also got a pellet gun and reduced the camp ground population of Bugs and his friends.
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Old 10-17-2017, 06:20 PM   #8
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A small cup full of anti-freeze does wonders!!

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Old 10-17-2017, 06:31 PM   #9
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Quote:
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A small cup full of anti-freeze does wonders!!

burfurd


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Old 10-17-2017, 06:33 PM   #10
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Ultrasonic transmitters will have some success. Shop Ebay and Amazon for mobile or 12v. Biggest problem with them is knowing if it is working or not. I turn it off and invite neighbors dog over - then turn it on.
Tried these once.
Seemed to collect droppings on them.
Rodents remained.
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Old 10-24-2017, 07:35 AM   #11
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Unhappy

The good news is my camper is repaired - the bad news is the bill is $617.26!!

One of the Ford parts replaced was a line 18' long for a cost of $200. +.

I guess I will try the antifreeze route as I do not have another nearby option for storage. I am glad this problem showed up locally and not on my way to Yuma or Ft. Myers.

Would my insurance soar dramatically if I were to claim on it or should I just grin and bear it
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Old 10-24-2017, 09:03 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by seb1899 View Post
The good news is my camper is repaired - the bad news is the bill is $617.26!!



One of the Ford parts replaced was a line 18' long for a cost of $200. +.



I guess I will try the antifreeze route as I do not have another nearby option for storage. I am glad this problem showed up locally and not on my way to Yuma or Ft. Myers.



Would my insurance soar dramatically if I were to claim on it or should I just grin and bear it


Anytime you get off under $1,000 is a lucky day, go play the lottery!
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Old 10-24-2017, 09:19 AM   #13
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I HATE squirrels! (and crows too)
Again, squirrel = rat with bushy tail.
If squirrels don't eat it, they will, at least, chew holes in it.

I can relate to the video.... tough to have a garden with squirrels around. When they mess with the tomatoes, it's on

I tried one of the ultrasonic devises this year in my garden. In my case, it had absolutely no effect on the critters.
I have found that lead-poison works well.
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Old 10-24-2017, 09:33 AM   #14
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I bought some 12 volt strobe lights to put on the ground beneath my RV while parked in the desert this winter.

https://www.diy-forums.com/threads/r...irrels.253017/
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