Comments on: And now a PSA

By: Chris Smith

Chris Smith — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 14:43:49 +0000

Something not mentioned that I have been using for years, after an incident with a squirrel, are cotton balls/pads soaked with Peppermint Oil. Not extract, oil. The stuff is pungent and will get your eyes flowing pronto.

Stores like Whole Foods and natural food stores will have this in the health & beauty area. The stuff’s not cheap, but it works. I’ve even started using it in my house to ward off mice.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:57:30 +0000

In reply to Bill. The chicken wire idea was more for marmot's than mice I believe. At least in the Sierra. I know several hikes, including a High Sierra veteran, who swear by the tarp idea.

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 14:59:56 +0000

Chicken wire would be a waste of time for mice. They can easily get through a 3/4″ hole. I don’t know that the tarp would really prevent them from getting in, since they can chew right through it and climb right up a wall. I like the scent idea and think that a combination of scents might be the best. Moth balls could be kept min some sort of container that would allow the scent to get out, but keep the moth balls in. It would be best if it were something with a heavy bottom that wouldn’t blow around. I like and use the urine scents for wildlife, but rain washes it away. I’d do like a dog and spray the tires as well as some places under the vehicle on the frame or suspension, where it won’t corrode something. A pump spray bottle with some sort of predator urine should work.

If you get mice in your house, watch your ice maker tubing and refrigerator wiring. Mice love to chew on them.

By: Jim Owen

Jim Owen — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 03:19:46 +0000

wrt mothball toxicity – that’s why I use the empty airtight plastic jar (empty instant coffee jar in this case) – so I don’t have to smell them except for the time spent putting them down and picking them up. I lost my tolerance for strong smells a long time ago.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 02:21:10 +0000

It was an expensive lesson for me. Believe me. I like the idea of a tarp as it is multi use and less toxic than mothballs (esp if I park at a popular trailhead). Though the bobcat urine crystals someone suggested may be an option as well.

The point being
A) I don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars again (ouch!)
B) Get stuck at some remote trailhead

By: Jim Owen

Jim Owen — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 01:31:30 +0000

Paul – For 25(?) years I’ve used moth balls to deter rodents, and particularly porcupines. But the engine bloc isn’t the only vulnerable area. Brake hoses (front AND rear), gas and transmission lines – ALL are fair game for the little nibblers. My solution – mothballs under the car, particularly around the wheels which is where they gain access to all those tender parts. Put’em down when you park, pick’em up before you leave. I carry I# of them in an empty airtight plastic jar. Don’t recommend leaving behind a 2″ high ring all around were your car “was” parked though, as one young man did in Northern PA. I caught up with him on a hiking site the following week – He wasn’t happy about that.