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

[Chris BONDE]

Long time ago, in telephony I believe, they made the splice in the cables, wrapped 
with cloth (?) then 'wiped' lead on the splice. The wiping was basically with slushy 
soft lead.  The field mice squirrels and other rodents enjoyed chewing the soft metal 
to sharpen and wear down their teeth.  Not to ingest it.  I suspect that is what is 
happening here.  I also believe that they put something into the lead to repel the 
rodents.  You might look into the repellent idea or putting up a squirrel shield as 
used on bird feeders or a rat shield as used on boat guys or mooring when docked.

For porcupines some people have used moth balls (the insecticide!) spread around 
the car.  We use to burn mice and rats around the summer house, never had 
problems after a couple of times, a stink. 

Chris opr VE7HCB

From:           	"Robert Shohet" <kq2m at earthlink.net>
To:             	<towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject:        	Re: [TowerTalk]  Re: Topband: Using 1/2" PVC Conduit Vs. the
	Critters Who Eat Coax
Date sent:      	Mon, 10 Nov 2003 14:31:23 -0500

> Hi Pete,
> 
> > 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.
> 
> No I haven't tried them but that is an excellent suggestion, at least
> for the close in stuff (within about 50' of my house). The problem is
> that most of the damage occurs anywhere from 100' from the house to
> 1500' from the house as my beverage feeds run up to 1500' into the
> woods in several directions, with multiple beverages.  I don't think I
> would be willing to spend the time or the money to deal with that,
> especially for where the cable is "airborne".  The fieldmice just run
> up the cables and start chewing wherever they please.
> 
> Tnx & 73
> 
> Bob KQ2M
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers",
> "Wireless Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free,
> 1-800-333-9041 with any questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> TowerTalk mailing list
> TowerTalk at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk