Squirrel Proofing the Cruiser

[Kamper Dave]

Squirrel Proofing:
The 2014 Pine Squirrel Wars caused me frustration and repairs. Once those brazen critters got in to the underbelly it was hell discouraging them. They chewed though the water intake hose and started a nest that had to be removed. They even tried to pull out the steel wool that we had stuffed into the slide actuator holes. They are immune to moth balls, Fresh Cab, Critter Ridder and pepper! #$%@*
This has prompted me to close every access hole in the Cruiser that I could locate. We used ¼” hardware cloth, steel wool, gorilla tape and spun glass insulation. This is NOT a pretty job and the pictures are not very good but it ought to work.

Pictured below will be the water intake area, rear scupper holes, forward main frame vents, slide actuator holes and the propane compartment. The small hole allows for the hose to the external tank.

Under the propane compartment: This was originally screened over to keep the Pine Martins from using this area as a place to cache dead pocket golphers! #$%@*


Forward Frame Air Intake:


Slide actuator holes stuffed with steel wool:


Water Intake Area: stuffed with enough spun glass to hold steel wool firmly against the hole then covered with hardware cloth held in place with Gorilla tape and heated to fuse the tape to the frame.


Rear Scupper Holes:

[Lloyd]

Are you allowed to trap the little critters out there?

[Kamper Dave]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Are you allowed to trap the little critters out there?

Only with a live trap provided by the Wildlife Management Team. I relocated 3 of them but there was no end to them. It got to the point that they would start barking at me as soon as I stepped outside. (don't ask why cause I am not telling.)
No bloodshed allowed. You can open carry but it's a Federal Offence to pull the trigger.

[Lloyd]

How about a bucket filled with water---sunflower seeds scattered on top, with a stick from the ground to top of pail?

[dualsportin]

Kamper Dave, do you leave your unit @ your camp spot for extended periods or just over a weekend?.....

[Kamper Dave]

Originally Posted by dualsportin

Kamper Dave, do you leave your unit @ your camp spot for extended periods or just over a weekend?.....

Extended or until the job is complete.

[Kamper Dave]

Within 1 hour of landing the little devils were checking out the RV. (1498 miles in 3.75 days)

[hippy45]

Several years ago I was purchasing a new trailer and asked the well experienced salesman the benefits of the enclosed underbelly vs open. His response was "it makes a good home for the critters".
Ours has an open belly, but we were attacked by a mouse last fall that got in thru the lower slideout seal. The rodents seem to find a way in if they want to. I cured ours with mouse bait, and now set traps when we park it.
Good luck with your battle!

[Lloyd]

They were probably real happy to see you pull in.
Don't forget your bucket of water, with sunflower seeds floating on top.

[AmericalVette]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

They were probably real happy to see you pull in.
Don't forget your bucket of water, with sunflower seeds floating on top.

Now I'm curious (almost like a squirrel) but, what does the bucket of water with sunflower seeds do?

[mark5w]

Ramp up to bucket of water for critters to jump for the sunflower seeds.

[BipeFlier]

I would need a 55 gal. drum around here!

[Kamper Dave]

Best Squirrel Deterrent Ever!!! We have a pair of Robins nesting just behind the Cruiser and they are death of squirrels. I owe them big time.
robin (640x429).jpg

[Lloyd]

A couple eagles would be better yet.