Varmits

[MY1978]

So, apparently a mouse decided it would be a great idea to build a nest above the latch catch of the hood and had a PLETHERA of walnut shells stored inside this area as well as between the hood and my new hood insulation I just install last year and on the engine.  I will be removing the hood insulation because there are walnut shells between it and the hood and the little SOB decided to use some of the insulation for bedding.  Since it is winter here in Virginia, it has been rainy and I don't drive the truck in the rain so this is not a daily driver and only gets started up occassionally during the winter. 

Does anyone have any suggestions about keeping the varmits out of this area?  It is parked outside, under a carport just on the otherside of a fence where 5 dogs roam around.  I also have cats that frequent the area.  Even if I had a garage, those little varmits can find their way in.

Thanks.

[Swampyankee74]

I've been battling mice for years. Best deterent I've found so far is moth balls. I make pockets/bags out of metal screen with a stapler, fill it with a handful of moth balls and place them everywhere that looks comfy for the vermin. I load my boat with them, in every compartment,  under the cowl. My tractor is stuffed with them too. Have 3 bucket traps too in a couple of out building. They work great, a little bit of peanut butter and they are self reloading. They help to keep the population down which keeps your truck safer. https://www.amazon.com/Odesos-Rolling-Rodents-Children-Outdoors/dp/B08MZ8KT3P

[MY1978]

Never had a mouse build a nest there before. I will just have to be more proactive and go out and disturb them more. I have been a very bad owner. Haven't been out and messing around the truck much over winter. Of course the little F***er decided to use my brand new hood insulation pad for nesting material AND has some shells between the mat and the hood. Removing the liner tomorrow and looking into spraying Boom Mat on underside of hood so nothing to use for bedding or stoarge or hiding space.

[VileZambonie]

You reminded me of the MAD card game. Draw one you varmints! Peppermint oil & dryer sheets.

[Mike81K10]

Mud daubers consistently build mud nest under my hood and other areas of my truck. Sometime wasp nests as well.

[Shifty]

Give the cats milk (to make them stay around more), but no food. 

[MY1978]

Milk bad for cats.  Trust me, I get my fair share of "presents" brought in the house - some alive, some not.  I have a couple that like to hang out, out there. 

[Shifty]

OK, make it an itty bit of catnip...

[MY1978]

 

[Mr Diesel]

Bucket trap. Most effective method I have found. Chicken wire added to keep squirrels out.

[MY1978]

Ih ave heard of them but like the recycling of thebeer can.....

[philo_beddoe]

I’ve had many bouts with mice, I just keep catching them with traps set in and around the garage. I just keep catching (and killing) until the local population is completely wiped out. Which WILL occur if you keep at it. I have had loaded traps most of the this winter not one mouse in over two months. And no signs either, they are gone. However, last summer and fall I was catching two per day. Don’t deter, eliminate! Lol

[Shifty]

They were doing a massive road-widening project a mile away from my house, and must have disturbed The Mother of all Mouse Nests.  I was catching 3-4/day, until Mother Nature blessed us with Cooper and red-tail hawks, which were supplanted by a family of owls. 

[Chevygold]

I once had a mouse climb all the way up the exhaust into the cylinder head its piss corroded the piston in the bore so needed a complete strip down to get it free, did me a favour as the cam had worn so badly I don't know how it ran at all!
Graham

[MY1978]

I once had a mouse climb all the way up the exhaust into the cylinder head its piss corroded the piston in the bore so needed a complete strip down to get it free, did me a favour as the cam had worn so badly I don't know how it ran at all!
Graham

AHHHHHHHH   Makes me want to put a screen over the end of my tailpipe, up inside of it.  I think they made a home in the front panel of the bed where the roll is.  The bottom of the roll was completely rotting out.  With much cleaning, rust removal/conversion, aluminium reinforced body filler and fiberglass, I was able to make it all better.  I think it turned out pretty good.