squirrel proofing engine bay

[rockman]

just paid the bills to have the F250 diagnosed and repaired.
the 4.6 ltr V8 was pinging and knocking louder than my diesel going up a hill.
after removing alternator, steering pump, fuel rails, throttle body, intake manifold, the tech found a squirrel nest right on top of the knock sensor.
any suggestions to keep these neighours out of my engine bay.
cannot afford too many $800 squirrel condos.

[rockman]

just paid the bills to have the F250 diagnosed and repaired.
the 4.6 ltr V8 was pinging and knocking louder than my diesel going up a hill.
after removing alternator, steering pump, fuel rails, throttle body, intake manifold, the tech found a squirrel nest right on top of the knock sensor.
any suggestions to keep these neighours out of my engine bay.
cannot afford too many $800 squirrel condos.

[Little Kopit]

I just wonder, maybe a friend who says "MEOW!" Cat's love getting in on top of engines too.

Good luck!

[Skip298]

Your post will undoubtedly bring in some good replies.....as will my reply.....when we moved to this home from our last one..we brought a favourite indian rug...in our last home we had two cats, they were elderly and the move wouldnt have been kind to them... in the end the cats used the rug as a sandbox and the smell was horrid.....I threw the rug into the garage to get it ourt of the house....I had noticed in the garage that there were chipmunks and mice and I saw at least one red squirrel.......the day the rug went in was the last day I saw any of them....I think that the odour of Cat was enough to send them packing..so..if you have cats or know someone that does..grab some used kitty litter and place it nearby, or as someone told me grab a bundle of cat fur(combed from the cat...or yanked out if you prefer) do the same.............

[Little Kopit]

Oh, ah, Brad, won't you tell us all how you tried to deal with squirrels with a trap. & what you caught in that trap and ...............

(Remember you had the courage to post that story while it was current).

[brad03ca]

Well rockman, if it were me, I'd be buying a nice new rat trap. Much cheaper than $800.00 squirrel condos. How 'bout some Rat poision?? Two good solutions. The 'ol peanut butter and warfin pate is great on a cold day. The seem to Love it. Don't get me wrong... I just love the furry little critters...I just love my stuff more than I love them.

[Novi]

I too have a problem with squirrels, they insist on living in my garage. So 1) I live trap them to keep the population down and 2) I put bounce dryer sheets in the garage in several places. Have not had any for 2 years now. I also use the sheets to keep mice out of the house they used to come in every fall but since I started using the bounce sheets 2 years ago we have not had any. Who would guess eh!

[Little Kopit]

Rockman, here's another way you might try

(Linked with permission)

[Novi]

Okay, I read the link, I missed this one, Well Brad, what finally happened I've been away a lot recently.

[Little Kopit]

Novi, look at the dates on that thread!

[2Roadrunners]

I live trap them, but in my birdfeeder I put in cayenne pepper........doesn't bother the birds, but the squirrels stay out.

Maybe you could shoot a dose of pepper spray under your hood.

Then there are other methods (us country boys have all kinds of tricks.LOL)

[Bushman512003]

Hang a old sox with 3-4 moth balls under the hood works like for 3-4 months.then just add 3-4 more moth balls.And You may have to change the sock once a year or two..and the little squirrel will still be alive and You will be free of his house building.John

[Novi]

Thanks LK, guess I was away longer than I though, LOL, only out by a year and little.

[Little Kopit]

I've always admired Brad's courage for posting that tale.