Chipmunks,Mice and Automobiles

[noodle one]

I live on top of a mountain and I know that  mice and chipmunks like to get in next to the engine to build a nest to keep themselfs warm on cool nights.I also know that they will go in the air intake to build their nest. I put screen over the air intake and that keeps them out. My problem is keeping them from around the engine and chewing on the wire.

My wife came home this afternoon and said the car was running funny and the engine light was on. This is a new car with 10,000 miles on it. I took it for a little ride and when the gears would shift, it would bang in. I headed right to the dealer to have them check it. They told me that I have a rodent problem and they were chewing on the wire harness and I need to call my isurance co. to get taken care of.They also told that this is the third car this week with the same problem. When I asked them what I could put in there to keep them out ,they couldn't give me an answer.I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem and do you know of a way to keep them out. I would apprecicate any help with this.  Thanks, noodle one

[Cabin Fever]

They can be a big problem! You obviously have a couple of choices and find which is best for your situation. You can set a bunch of traps, baited with peanut butter, would catch both mice and chipmunks. Rat and mouse poison is another option, but then if you have cats might not be such a good idea. Glue boards are another option, but if you have pets around, would be a hassle.

Another option is what I use at my camp. We have a problem with both chipmunks and mice getting into the cabin and making a mess. I don't get there very often, so I need something that will catch multiple critters and keep on working. I take a 5 gallon bucket and fill it ~1/2 way up with water. I then sprinkle enough sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and/or peanuts in the shell to cover the top of the water. I take a short piece of 2x4 to lay across the bucket, then another that is placed like a ramp from the ground up to the piece that is laying across the top of the bucket. I then sprinkle a few seeds on the ramp and the ground next to the ramp. I also spread a "little" peanut butter on the piece of 2x4 on top of the bucket, for some scent appeal.

The chipmunks and mice run up ramp, think they found a 1/2 bucket full of seeds, jump in, and ker-plunk!! Works EVERY time!! I then empty it when I get to camp and refresh. It's convenient because it catches several at a time and its low maintenance. Believe me, you can clean out and area pretty quick like this, but of course, others will move in.

I found a few Youtube videos that might give you a better visual. There is also a neat spinning can on a dowel trick, that is basically the same idea. Good luck!

Chipmunk Trap: How to build a chipmunk trap with just a bucket, water and seeds

[noodle one]

Cabin Fever, Thanks for the great tips. We have the pail with peanut butter on a tin can up at our camp for mice. I never knew about the seeds in a half a bucket of water. Tomorrow I am going down to agway to get some seeds. I have all kinds of chipmunks that are getting into my turck and car and I could never get them to come to the peanut butter bait. Now that I know about the seeds "look out chipmunks". Thanks again, noodle one

[fasteddie]

I use to think chimpmonks were cute when they were in someone else's yard . When they srarted building a Housing Tract behind us , I had chipmonks all over the place . They did a number on my wife's Buick Century . The guys at Phil's Auto called it "The Car From Hell' !

I put out rat traps with peanut butter . I caught 23 of those little buggers one summer ! And .....no , I didn't eat them !

[WNYBuckHunter]

If you put antifreeze in the bucket, you dont need the bait. The sweet smell attracts them, just make sure cats and dogs cant get to it. Worked great for mice in an old house I rented years ago.

[Fantail]

This should be duplicated under DIY. Good traps!

[jusputtn]

http://www.pyramydair.com/p/RWS-34-Breakbarrel-Rifle-Striker-Combo.shtml

Might as well have some fun with the ones that are too smart for the bucket trap.

[Ford]

Only if your gonna eat them

[mbucks27]

I use the bucket trap in my house upstate for mice and it works like a charm. Everytime i go up i have a few mice in the bucket and dont find droppings all over the house anymore like i used to . I use the soda can with penut butter on a spindle and the put water and a little anitfreeze (to keep the smell away) in the bucket.  I am also thinking about putting one in my garage up there to try and thin the heard in there also lol.

John

[Fletch]

I am in a battle now with chipmonkjs getting into my work truck. I put mothballs under the hood and it seems to keep them away but I need to get a perminent solution. I can not do poison or traps that a dog can get to. Would they get into the bucket trap outdoors?

[Cabin Fever]

That bucket traps works great. I've had several friends mention having problems with chipmunks and I always tell them about the bucket trap. Once they try it, they can't believe how many chipmunks and mice they catch and how quickly it cleans an area out. Sometimes you'll catch a chipmunk within the first hour! A lot of times you don't realize how many chipmunks you have, as they all look the same, so you'll be amazed how many you'll catch in an area. It's really helped us out at camp!

[hunter49]

  the anti freeze also stops the smell if you don't get there to empty it often.

[noodle one]

  Just letting everyone know that the pail of water with seeds works great. Every morning there are one or two chipmunks who have met their maker. When I look out now I see fewer and fewer chipmunks. Thanks again Cabin Fever for the great tip.