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Topic: Effective Rodent Deterrent and Rope Lights (Read 1069 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent and Rope Lights
Reply #25 –
I'm surprised that nobody has suggested the thing that has worked for years for me, and perfectly!  Rodents seem to hate the smell of "original Irish Spring soap" as much as I do.  I always leave a few bars in the engines of my RV and tow vehicle every summer, also in the coach front and back, and wherever I think they might like to nest, and have never been bothered again.  Years ago all the electrical wires in my camper van were eaten up in Southern California by rodents so I know how horrible the repairs can be.  The nice thing is that you can just put the bars back into the boxes and use them the next year, just as effective.

Kristin from Alaska
1997 MB
1997 MB
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #26 –
Quote from: Kristin Lambert  - 
Rodents seem to hate the smell of "original Irish Spring soap" as much as I do.

Thought that Fresh Cab smelled familiar.  Got a box off ebay to try thanks to recent posts here and was going to get another but will try the Irish Spring instead.  Thanks.

Have to ask - Alaska in winter in a MB?

Rich
2006 MB
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #27 –
Well picked up a 20 pack of "original" Irish Spring bars at Sam's for about $8, quartered 4 of them, and spread them around all the LD outside bins and engine compartment.

Have 4 fresh cab packs spread around inside of coach.

Mice and other critters are around the neighborhood but have not seen signs of them in the RV prior to putting in the fresh cab (a few weeks ago) so figure the Irish Spring can't hurt.

Just have to remember to remove it from generator and engine compartment before monthly exercise.

Rich
2006 MB
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #28 –
Quote from: Rich Meek  - 

"...Just have to remember to remove it from generator and engine compartment before monthly exercise..."


Rich,

Is it the Irish Spring or the Fresh Cab in the Generator bay? If it's the Fresh Cab, you should be fine leaving it be if like me, you have it zip tied to the outside cover of the genny itself (not the bay door).

I did notice though, yesterday, that a pack of FC I placed between the battery compartment door and the battery tray was wet from the last downpour we had so in that regard it's probably a good idea to place it a bit higher to prevent this occurrence.

I do hope the rodent population leaves your LD alone. It's always nice to here of a successful preventative measure.

I climbed under my rig and examined all my bays yesterday and could see no signs of rodent visitations. I use quite a few Fresh Cab packets throughout the rig. So far so good.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #29 –
I may also try the "Irish Spring" option, but I've certainly had excellent results with the Fresh Cab, which I started using after Jeanne Bold shared about it at the 2015 Ladeze GTG at Moab.  The varmints had wrought havoc with insulation/tire covers/etc./etc., but not since she'd gotten the Fresh Cab.  I only put one under the hood, & didn't think about the genn compartment...gotta go to the farm tomorrow, so will add another couple of pouches under the hood & genn compartment...& some Irish Spring for good measure.

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #30 –
Lynne,

Thanks for the Fresh Cab tip. In an earlier post I wasn't sure who mentioned it, but one things for sure, I've been using it ever since.

I even have a pack under my S&B's kitchen sink just to freshen up the area. My DW is glad I did.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
 
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #31 –
Can't speak for the mice and rats, but if Irish Spring soap were scattered around in my rig, I wouldn't go anywhere near it!  :o

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #32 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Is it the Irish Spring or the Fresh Cab in the Generator bay? If it's the Fresh Cab, you should be fine leaving it be if like me, you have it zip tied to the outside cover of the genny itself (not the bay door).

Soap is inside the genny on a flat spot near or on the air filter I think so needs to be removed when exercised.   Didn't zip tie anything - just found a spot to set it in for now.

Quote from: JCT  - 
Can't speak for the mice and rats, but if Irish Spring soap were scattered around in my rig, I wouldn't go anywhere near it!  :o

Ha - Will definitely remove before using but actually I don't mind it so much since used it back in high school gym days so its smell is kind of a nostalgic thing - funny how bad or good smells will do that.

RIch
2006 MB
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #33 –
Hmmm...
Irish Spring and high school gym days... I wonder if the Irish Spring soap smell was what made getting dates so difficult?  And I didn't even date rats.

Back to my original post; since I cleaned up the messes, trapped a few rats and placed the stockings with mothballs in the rig, I haven't found any rat droppings or nesting evidence in the LD or the truck.  The barn sure stinks.  Rope lights should arrive today.

Thanks for all the help.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #34 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Hmmm...
Irish Spring and high school gym days... I wonder if the Irish Spring soap smell was what made getting dates so difficult?  And I didn't even date rats.

Back to my original post; since I cleaned up the messes, trapped a few rats and placed the stockings with mothballs in the rig, I haven't found any rat droppings or nesting evidence in the LD or the truck.  The barn sure stinks.  Rope lights should arrive today.

Thanks for all the help.
What kind of rope lights did you buy?
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #35 –

Chris,
Rope light is a LE Solar LED rope light.

https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Daylight-Decoration-Christmas-Thanksgiving/dp/B017XDESHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483228352&sr=8-1&keywords=LE+solar+led+rope+light

I also bought a Powersmith LED work light.  120v. 15 W power use for 1400 lumens.

https://www.amazon.com/PowerSmith-PWL1115BS-1400-Lumen-Light/dp/B00W9M5GII/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483228486&sr=8-2&keywords=powersmith+led+work+light

The LED worklight is useful for other jobs, so I figured I will use it in the Lazy Daze when we are home.  The solar rope lights can be used at home in the driveway for the truck as well as go on trips with us.

We'll see how it goes with the lights.  So far, so good with the mothballs in panty hose in the engine compartments. In addition, two rats trapped and one shot. In my world, the direct approach is satisfying.  Rats aren't gone yet and there are still droppings in the barn.

Harold

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #36 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 
Chris,
Rope light is a LE Solar LED rope light.

Amazon.com: LE 33ft 100 LEDs Solar Power Rope Lights, Waterproof Outdoor,...

I also bought a Powersmith LED work light.  120v. 15 W power use for 1400 lumens.

Amazon.com: PowerSmith PWL1115BS 15W 1400 Lumen LED Work Light: Home Improvement

The LED worklight is useful for other jobs, so I figured I will use it in the Lazy Daze when we are home.  The solar rope lights can be used at home in the driveway for the truck as well as go on trips with us.

We'll see how it goes with the lights.  So far, so good with the mothballs in panty hose in the engine compartments. In addition, two rats trapped and one shot. In my world, the direct approach is satisfying.  Rats aren't gone yet and there are still droppings in the barn.

Harold
Thanks for the link, Harold. With a length of 33', looks like you would need 2 to completely surround the LD or I guess 1 would work if you curled it under the rig.
Chris
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #37 –
I stuffed the rope light in the engine compartment of the truck.

The work light has a base, which I removed.  I then placed it on a low step-stool under the engine compartment, facing up.  It seems to illuminate the engine compartment with direct and reflected light in addition to illuminating the underside of the coach. I may modify this a little and put it in a oil drain pan on the step stool so that my young bride doesn't get bothered by seeing the light in the barn from our bedroom at night.  Happy wife...  We'll see how this all works, but I have confidence that following the lead of other members here is the way to go.

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #38 –
"A clean, manly scent"

"Manly yes, but I like it too" -- said no female ever.

If Irish Spring works, Axe body spray should be even better.

fu
2015TK
fu
2015TK
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #39 –
Quote from: thefuofus  - 

"...If Irish Spring works, Axe body spray should be even better..."


Hmmm...

Perhaps our rodent parasites run for the hills from Irish Spring due to the irritation it causes to their skin. I know that's why I avoid it.

Just sayin'

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #40 –
I prefer Lava myself.  ;D
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #41 –
Hi folks

We were listening to our favorite garden show on the radio and Bob Webster was talking about rats, squirrels, and raccoons in the attic.  He strongly recommended NOT using mothballs as it is a known carcinogen. Instead he says soak tennis balls in ammonia and toss them in the attic or elsewhere. It gets rid of unwanted rodents.  I checked online and found they said the same thing.  Also can use ammonia soaked rags in car engines etc. Just remember to remove before driving. We have not tried it but sounds reasonable to me and better smelling than mothballs.

Corky
2013 TK 24 '
2013 TK
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #42 –
I've been following this thread with a small smile on my face.   Having been raised on a farm the only thing we found that would keep rats and other vermin of this sort out of the living space was a hungry cat or a shotgun.     Since shooting the shotgun into the engine or inside the rig  is mostly out of the question using ammonia which smells to the rats like cat urine is a good substitute.    

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #43 –
Colddog,

Are you a Guy Clark fan?
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #44 –
Hmmmm....maybe I can train the cat to accept tennis balls as cat box litter. 😜
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #45 –
Mice are stupid. They didn't have any aversion to hanging out where we kept the litter box in the S&B. The cats weren't much smarter, for what it's worth.

fu
2015TK
fu
2015TK
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #46 –
I just bought rid a rat strobes
Easier to find a good spot where light would distribute in the Forester toad than the LD.

Amazon.com : Packrat and Rodent Deterrent Device, Model RC-2 : Automotive...

I also got Mpow solar motion sensor lights to put underneath the vehicles engine.  They go on for a few seconds when I walk by the vehicles.

Lots of people with white rope lights under vehicles at Desert Trails RV park where I am near Tucson. 


Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #47 –
Kirsten - lol, I never really liked that soap smell either.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Effective Rodent Deterrent?
Reply #48 –
Hmmm. I am a soapmaker; looks like I should whip up a strong smelling anti rodent soap.  Any willing testers out there? If it doesn't work on rats it's still biodegradable and gentle on your skin