OK, i've had enough...
Squrriels have just chewed through my gas lines and caused spraying of gas all over the place, and a hefty bill.
This is the second time - a few years ago, they chewed through my AC wires at a cost of $500 to replace.
They have also chewed up my insulation cover on the fuel rails in the engine bay.

What are you guys doing to keep squrriels away from your truck?
They are definitely attracted to these "soy-based" wires and other plastics.

I live in a neighborhood with many people - so shooting them is NOT an option, as much as I would like to go out there and handle it that way. If I could, I would.
I've already googled all the "typical" things you can try to do -
Posion
Rodent deterents
pepper/hot sauce
essential oils
fake owls
trapping them - releasing them or killing them
moth *****
Get an outside cat

Unfortunately I have a single car garage and keep my car in there, so no garage option.
I have many trees around my house, so i know even if I would permentatly kill/remove/relocate some of them, there will always be more, so need something to just keep them away from my damn truck.

I love my truck, but these damn animals are going to ruin it and cost me more money down the road.

 

Have you tried any of the solutions? Moth ***** worked for chipmunks.

And it is not just soy based coverings. 1999 Grand Marquis had issues.

 

Not sure there is anything you can do short of moving into a house with a larger garage or expanding your existing one if possible. I would suggest a modern pellet rifle but like you said, there's just too many. Perhaps a bunch of outdoor cats?

 

Actually, squirrels are fairly territorial. I relocated several to the park, and have very few of the pests around. More than likely, you have one that is the culprit, most are not so nasty to chew a gas line.

 

Disclaimer.... I have never done this and I am just spitballing... I have no experience and have done no research...

What about maybe spraying your wiring and hoses down with some type of corrosion guard or protectant? Something that won't degrade the rubbers. Like Fluid Film? The purpose being that the squirrels won't prefer to chew it because the coating is a deterrent?

 

There's a bunch of cats roaming my neighborhood, haven't had any sort of rodent damage to any of my vehicles.

*promptly knocks on wood and hopes I didn't just eff myself*

 

I actually already use fluid film.
I haven't sprayed any on the underside of my truck since before this past winter though.

Fluid film has a sweet smell to it - so not sure if it is effective at all or not in terms of rodent repellent.

 

Ive tried a few things on and off over the years.
The problem is - unless you reapply the >insert whichever option< on a regular basis, that lose their edge.
I will stay ontop of it for a few months and then get complacent and forget to spread red pepper flakes or other things for a few weeks.
It is so random that I need a more permenant solution. And because of the randomness - whos to say anything that I have tried up to this point has worked or not?


I also saw Honda makes a automotive tape with "spices and pepper" in it ... might be another option I may try but seems like a total PITA to install... and I pitty anyone who will have to work on my truck in the coming years as it ages...

 

I had a rat starting to build a nest in my last car. From what I read rodents hate strong smelling odors like Irish Spring soap and Dryer sheets. I just discreetly folded up and hid dryer sheets in the engine bay. I think 3?Never came back .

 

Set a bunch of live traps and traps with rat poison cubes contained inside a housing to keep pets out of the poison. Buy a pellet rifle and declare war. You either are serious about stopping the damage by eliminating the squirrels or you continue to accept the consequences.