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Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:05 pm
by Radgnar
I am convinced that a rat/squirrel/marmot or other rodent crawled up in my engine compartment while hiking Whitney 2 weeks ago. No damage really was done except they chewed up some of my insulation to make a nest somewhere.

I am heading up to Horseshoe Meadow this weekend and was wondering if there were any other precautions I could take to avoid this problem? I know rodents can do damage to the electrical system and want to avoid this problem as much as I can.

Anyone have any tips to keep the creatures away from my engine compartment?

Cody

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:13 pm
by maverick
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6059&hilit=marmot+ca" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
viewtopic.php?t=277&highlight=marmots" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:17 pm
by cgundersen
cody,
That's bad news; Mineral King is famous for this problem, and you need to erect a fence (chicken wire or similar) around your vehicle, but I was not aware that the problem is spreading; the other option is to get something they don't like smelling (castor oil?) and put a tray under your vehicle, but I think the fence is the best bet.
cg

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:30 pm
by Wandering Daisy
Do you live near the coast? Marmots go for salt and if you have been driving on the coast since the last car wash, there could still be salt on your car.

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 1:36 pm
by Radgnar
Wow, lots of stories on those links Maverick. Will probably try dryer sheets at least, maybe chicken wire. A $600 mechanic bill does not sound pleasing to me.

Thanks,
Cody

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2013 3:52 pm
by FeetFirst
I recently read a Mineral King trip report where a guy used a large blue poly tarp per the advice of the ranger and returned after a long trek with no damage to his truck. Apparently, he set out a large blue poly tarp, drove onto it, and then cinched it up high around all sides of the vehicle. See topic and pics here: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin ... d_id=78578" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:59 pm
by cahikr
Having left my vehicle at this trailhead from 1 to 10 day's on many occasion I have not had problems with any critters.

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 4:45 pm
by sekihiker
This worked well for me last year.
http://sierrahiker.home.comcast.net/~si ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2013 7:29 pm
by madeintahoe
Radgnar.....Were you parked at the Portal? Or another TH...I am also curious how many days you had the car parked?

Re: Rodent/Marmot problem at Trail Head

Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2013 3:24 pm
by John Dittli
I've been having problems with ground squirrels doing the same thing at my home here on the eastside. Pulling insulation and chewing wires under hood. This summer I've placed Bounce dryer sheets around the car (easier than un-wrapping the car every time I have to drive :) ) seems to working so far. I've been told they have to be Bounce!