I sort of agree with Keith. For what its worth, I have bachelors and masters
degrees in zoology and a PhD in Public Health. If God is a rodent or has any
fondness whatsoever for rodents then I am in deep doodoo as I have sent
literally thousands home to meet their maker. Most in labs (about 300 a week
for 2 years), the rest at home or in the field. There, I've trapped em, shot
em, poisoned em, bombed em and generally tried to make life hell for them for
almost 50 years.
I trust that satisfies the "familiarity with rodents" criteria.
I suppose I am fairly affluent now but once lived off the land and ate frogs,
cattails, groundhogs, squirrels and persimmons. I had a major mouse problem in
the place I was renting - I got a CAT.
I hate cats have also sent several of them to the great beyond.
In my humble opinion, the best advice I can give is to get a cat like the folks
have been saying. The latter comments especially about one from a family of
hunters and how to keep them happy and hanging around.
You can fool around with chemicals but anything that is going to make it
sufficiently unpleasant for a mouse will make it equally unpleasant for you.
Feel free to try whatever you want - if you get something that works - get back
to us and tell us about it.
Ralph Cordell
Keith R. Stewart wrote:
> Gerald J. Brazil stated:
> > A few weeks ago I asked this group for ideas to discourage rodents from
> > taking up residence in my rusty red pickup truck when I store it for 6
> > months or so at our Little House on the Prairie. Well, it may be a
> testimony
> > to the general affluence of the group and their lack of familiarity with
> > rodents, but I didn't really get much. Certainly not like the response I'd
> > get if I asked the group for information about parts washers or phones in
> > the shop. But anyway, thanks to those of you who did contribute.
> >
> > I will summarize the most important recommendations:
> > 1) Many large feral cats.......this would be effective, but I find cat pee
> > almost as offensive as rodents.
> > 2) Snakes.....I've already got those, but they take the winter off.
> > 3) Shaving a bar of Irish Spring soap all around the area. Probably the
> most
> > unusual idea offered. I wonder what is magical about Irish Spring? (maybe
> > the guy suggesting it was English?) Anyway, it is cheap and worth a try.
> >
> > No one offered any opinions on the technique of leaving the hood open. I'd
> > still like to know if that works. Guess it is sort of like the Irish
> > Spring....it won't cost me much to try it.
> >
> Please do not take offense because this is in no way intended as a flame,
> but if you don't want people's advice, don't ask for it. You asked a
> question and some individuals offered the best they had to offer...in the
> guise of friendship, caring, and helpfulness. To turn around and criticize
> them is mean and unfair. Those on the list may or may not be affluent, but
> we all try to help one another as best we can. So, if you do not like the
> advice you get, don't take it...but please do not denigrate those that
> provided their suggestions by making light of what was offered in
> friendship. Just my $.02.
>
> Keith
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