Rodent Deterrent?

rlovinggood wrote:
I opened up my trailer today and found a live mouse in the cockpit.
Naturally, there was a lot of mouse poop in the cockpit and in the
trailer. I had made at least one mistake of leaving a good supply of
crackers and granola bars in the cockpit and up front in the trailer.
Little bugger had a great home, complete with large food supply.

Tomorrow, the glider will get its annual condition inspection and I'll
be looking closely at tubing and wiring. I don't know if I'll have a
chance to do a leak check tomorrow on the system, but I will soon. My
quick look today didn't show any teeth marks.

Does anyone know a deterrent to rodents? How can I keep them out of
the trailer? The trailer stays parked outside, unfortunately. Would
moth balls work if placed in both the trailer and the cockpit?

Thanks,

Ray Lovinggood
Carrboro, North Carolina, USA

Ray

Matt is right on...build them out. However, if one gets past that
effort, a glue trap is very effective, especially if you place a small
dab of peanut butter in the center. They can't resist the stuff and it
is likely that they will cruise right on by the wires and tubing to get
to the trap. Put a large piece of cloth in the cockpit because he might
spread a bit of glue about trying to escape. Usually they get glue in
the nose and mouth and quickly suffocate. Once a month or so, check the
trap and replace it if occupied or refresh the PB if not.

One word of warning...don't forget about it and sit on it for an entire
flight. Ask me how I know this?

Paul