[TowerTalk] Re: Topband: Using 1/2" PVC Conduit Vs. the Critters Who Eat Coax

[Pete Smith]

At 12:40 PM 11/10/03 -0500, Robert Shohet wrote:
>It's a constant problem.  In the case of my 160 Comtrek box, some critter
>ate A LOT of RG8X in three separate spots and caused a short in the cable
>which blew the fuse and a few components in the control box.  This was less
>than 50' from my house.
>
>You would think that the cable wouldn't taste good but that doesn't seem to
>stop them.  In the winters when the snow is deep
>(for SW Connecticut), I often have to replace all the self-sealing RG6 for
>the beverage runs - that seems to be their favorite!
>Judging by the sizes of the teeth marks and the level of cable destruction
>which ranges from the tiny bite marks to looking like a drunk used a mangled
>pair of pliers, both the large and small animals seem to like the beverage
>cable.  I have tried other varities to no avail.  I think it is just the
>fact that they are hungry and deep in the woods is the problem.

Have you tried any of the various animal repellents available at the local 
farm supply store?  I think they are blood-based, and they are supposed to 
be effective for most mammals.  They aren't very expensive, but I do 
suspect they would have to be reapplied at intervals, particularly with 
precipitation.


73, Pete N4ZR
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