Of Mice and Lawyers – more wire chewing woes

Well, I have been trying to tell people about this problem for a while now. It seems that some consumers are fed up and have turned to the law to protest the use of tasty soy based wiring in their vehicles. . .

CALIFORNIA — Do you have warning lights and costly car repairs? Rodent damage could be the culprit behind your next break down. A class action lawsuit claims the type of plastic used in new cars could be attracting vermin that eat the wires.

“I never could figure out where the stuff came from until I saw the rat,” said Barbara Olm. On more than one occasion a tiny hitch hiker made a meal out of the wiring in Olm’s 2012 Lexus.

The 84-year-old poisoned one rat in her car, but not before the rodent cause more than $400 in damage. “The mechanic found a ground wire and coolant wire eaten by rats,” Olm said. . . . .

Chewed up insulation is a cheap fix but wiring damage can be costly. “I have seen a couple in the $2000 range,” Campanili said, and damage is not covered under warrantee. University Honda can’t explain what’s attracts rodents to vehicles, but attorney Brian Kabateck can. “The plastic coating around the wires is made of soy,” Kabateck said. “I am not a rat expert, but soy must be delicious to rats.”

“While we cannot comment on this litigation, we can say that rodent damage to vehicle wiring occurs across the industry, and the issue is not brand- or model-specific.” Victor Vanov Corporate Communications Toyota Motor North America

http://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/lawsuit-claims-car-wiring-too-tasty-to-rodents

Car owners across the country are getting into their cars these days, turning the key and finding their engine won’t start. The reason may be hard to believe: an animal ate their car’s wiring.

Now, a class action lawsuit claims millions of Toyota cars, trucks and SUVs contain wiring that is attractive to animals like squirrels and mice. Honda settled a similar suit a few years ago.

Thousands of car owners in recent years have ended up like Woody and Mary Herald, who two years ago showed us how animals chewed through their car’s wiring. “On the ground we found this connector, with six inches of wire on either end of it, that the varmints had chewed into completely,” Woody Herald said.

This new suit claims Toyota uses soy-based wiring, which is environmentally friendly but tasty to animals. . . . . .

http://fox17online.com/2017/02/08/do-animals-think-your-car-wiring-is-tasty/

While taking on the auto giants may be an option, it is likely to take lots of time before something is resolved. In the mean time, what is to be done for the average person who is stuck with a rodent taking up residence in their engine and feasting on their car wires?

“If you see any evidence of rodents under the hood of your car, you should buy a repellent immediately, before they cause hundreds of dollars of damage. That way, you don’t waste your money.”

http://fox17online.com/2017/02/08/do-animals-think-your-car-wiring-is-tasty/

Well, I have never been one to bring up a problem without offering a solution. Our PeeShots are perfect for this application. They come in an 8 pack and are “Pee-Loaded” with PredatorPee. Remove the lids and place the PeeShots near each tire and in engine compartment or other target areas in the vehicle. Remove before driving. Choose BobcatPeeShots for mice, CoyotePeeShots for rats and ‘coons, FoxPeeShots for squirrels, and WolfPeeShots for domestic and feral cats.

Today’s Ask the PeeMan: Squirrels Under the Hood

Greetings from the North woods!

Well we have had some nice sunny weather, but today it is brutally cold. We have had frost warnings up for the last two nights, so I guess it was a good thing that I didn’t plant my garden before Memorial Day!

Todays featured Ask the PeeMan comes to us from Deeanna:

Q. I have had squirrels build a nest under my car hood under the engine twice this past week and chew through all the wires. My neighbour suggested coyote urine and my question is – is it okay to spray the engine and under the hood with this. I don’t want to damage anything.

A. For squirrels, we recommend FoxPee and we have a product designed specifically for your situation. Our FoxPeeShots are small “pee-loaded” cannisters – you just remove the lid and place in engine compartment and on the ground near each tire – re-cap and remove before driving.
See this link for details:
http://www.predatorpeestore.com/Predator-PeeShots.html

We have been selling more and more of our pee shots to car, RV and boat owners who are fed up with rodents of various types chewing wires, upholstery and otherwise wreaking havoc. Mechanics and dealerships across the country are starting to recommend our product to their customers. The convenient no fuss pee-loaded pee shots make it easy to use. And as always, we guarantee our products or your money back! We have excellent customer service representatives(real people)to talk to on the phone and we are continually optimizing our website and shopping cart to make your online experience exceptional. I may be an old fashioned entreprenuer but I think that good customer service never goes out of style. My philosophy is that even if the product didn’t perform as expected every customer goes away knowing that we went above and beyond to ensure an overall positive experience. It may seem cliche’ but at Maine Outdoor Solutions LLC, the customer is always right!

Until I find more words. . .The PeeMan

“Green” Car Wiring Tickles Rodent Tastebuds

Greetings from the North Woods!

It has been a few weeks since my last post. I think I am still recovering from the church harvest party preparation blitz. The weather has been on average above normal for this time of year, and we finally got a ton of rain after a month long drought. Winterberry pond is filled to the brim! But, in case we forgot that winter will come, there is snow in the forecast for Sunday. It won’t stick around long since temperatures are forecast to rebound quickly, but it is a harbinger of things to come.

As a I was perusing the internet the other day, I came upon some interesting information about rodents and car wiring. Obviously, we have heard lots of reports of damage to vehicle wiring from rodents and we have sold plenty of our PeeShots for this problem, but I didn’t realize that car wires actually are more attractive to rodents nowadays. Apparently, carmakers’ attempts to use more “green” materials in the manufacture of cars has created a rodent buffet under the hood.

Here is an excerpt from just one article on the topic. For the full article read: http://www.synlube.com/IncredibleEdibleCar1.htm

The unintended consequence of going “GREEN” !

Cars just taste way too good !

There are several systems where we have observed substantial damage caused by rodents:

Electrical Wiring harnesses

Air Conditioning and Heating Ducts

Seat Cushions

Trunk and Storage Area Carpeting

Various fluid containers made from plastics

Why does this happen?

It can be understood by looking at the composition of the materials that are eaten and what they contain:

Soy

Rice Husks

Wood

Sugars

Sweet smelling substances like Vanilla

Peanut Oil

Straw

Why vehicles were not eaten before ?

Simply because “before” automotive OEMs went on being “green” binge, almost everything in the car was made from metal, glass and plastic which was made 100% from petroleum.

None of those material particularly tasty or suitable for nest building by rodents.

Then in mid 1980’s first in Germany through the infinite wisdom of Euro politicians, regulations were passed without much objection by anyone, that a vehicle manufacturer bears responsibility for their vehicle from “cradle to grave“, that is from the time it is made to the time it is retired from service and disassembled so that the materials can be easily recycled.

While these regulations do not yet exist in USA, since manufacturers make cars to be sold in many parts of the world, making items from “different” materials for different markets is not cost effective.

Thus a silly regulation in even one country where it is enacted affects all vehicles sold all over the world made by that particular OEM.

The first unbelievable attempt at this “green” correctness was by Daimler on their Mercedes-Benz cars made from 1991 to 1995, where they started to use “bio-degradable wiring harness” !

There no action by rodents was necessary just heat and time did the ultimate damage and insulation on the wiring would start to deteriorate, crack, fall off and cause infinite combinations of wiring “shorts”.

Of course this would not happen until after the vehicles were out of warranty. Generally in 5 to 7 years after manufacture with almost 100% fail rate by the 12 year anniversary from date of manufacture.

Typical cost to fix this “predictable” damage ?
From about $1,600 to as much as $6,000 per vehicle.

Why are vehicles being eaten NOW ?

The quest for being “Green” correctness started also in 1990’s.

OEMs started by replacing the durable components that really did not need to last as long as they did, with generally untested improvements in material composition and with the use of “natural” materials to substitute for the petroleum in plastics.

OEMs also started replacing were possible any durable metal parts with limited lifespan plastic components.

Soy – has been utilized in just about anything from wiring harness covers, to wire insulation, to seat cushion foam and interior carpeting and trim.

Cars just started to taste way too good !

But mind you rodents (or Mother Nature, if you must) are not that stupid, indeed they are far more evolved and “smart” than humans give them credit for !

What one mouse or pack rat discovers is not kept as top secret for that individual rodent, or the immediate clan or family, that knowledge is very quickly “shared” with other rodents and becomes the knowledge of these creatures all over the world !

How that happens or how that is even possible is beyond the scope of this article, but there is definite proof that such animal knowledge “sharing” exists.

If one or two mice will eat something tasty and die shortly because of it, for example common automotive coolant that tastes sweet to animals, even if there are hundreds more starving mice near-by, they will no longer lick it, somehow they quickly learn that it is a deadly poison.

But if the stuff is not only tasty but also very nutritious, mice living hundreds of miles away will somehow gain this knowledge, and put the wiring harness or seat foam made with soy on their snack list.

Rodent damage after block party

I don’t think the “green” movement is going anywhere, so that means consumers are left to find ways to protect their vehicles from the potential of thousands of dollars in damage. Our PeeShots are perfect for this application. They come in an 8 pack and are “Pee-Loaded” with PredatorPee. Remove the lids and place the PeeShots near each tire and in engine compartment or other target areas in the vehicle. Remove before driving. Choose BobcatPeeShots for mice, CoyotePeeShots for rats and ‘coons, FoxPeeShots for squirrels, and WolfPeeShots for domestic and feral cats.

Until I find more words. . .The PeeMan

PeeLoaded Peeshots(do not drink or shoot)

Greetings from the North woods! Well, the January Thaw is history and the mercury is holding a little above zero this morning with a fresh coating of snow once again covering up the brown remnants of previous storms. I made sure to rake the roof right away so as not to have a repeat of the ceiling damaging leaks of a couple of weeks ago. The noise of the rake on the roof sent my dog into a frenzy since apparently the sound from inside is akin to thunder. Plus, I earned myself a trip to the physical therapist for my shoulder, but the roof won’t leak and the wife will be happy.

As a continuation of my last post on wire chewing rodents, I wanted to announce that we have launched a dedicated informational page for this problem at www.predatorpeeshots.com. Now, you can’t order a Peeshot at your favorite watering hole(if you can, I don’t want to know about it)or buy a case at the sporting goods store, but they sure are useful for keeping those pesky rodents away from your engine block or out of your attic, basement, or wherever you don’t want them nesting. They come in an 8 pack and are “Pee-Loaded” with our 100% PredatorPee. PeeShots are preloaded dispensers perfect for use indoors or out. Just remove the cap and you are good to go!

Wherever you are today and whatever the weather, have a great day!

Until I find more words. . .The PeeMan

How to Prevent Rodents from Chewing Car Wires

Well, the January thaw is in full swing around here with rain and snowmelt continuing. Next week it looks as if old man winter will mount a comeback, but for now I am enjoying not worrying about frozen pipes or ice dams. While it might not be below zero outside, it is still cold enough for rodents to want to come in from outside. An easy to access dry, warm place can be under the hood of your car. We hear from our customers about this problem all the time and we are trying to get the word out . . . 100% PredatorPee PeeShots are the convenient, effective answer to this annoying problem.

On of our customers emailed the following suggestion –

“Someone should tell the NPR ‘Car talk” guys about this, they are always getting calls about cars damaged from rodents, or rodents dying in cars……Christina”

Also, in case you doubt how much of a problem this can be, I found the article below on the website of Sweeney’s Garage –

Rodent Damage = Expensive Repair
Cold this winter? You’re not the only one!

You might be surprised to learn that during these winter months you may have some furry little visitors living under your hood. The warm dark recesses of your car’s engine compartment is an ideal nesting area for rodents. Mice can and will chew through the wiring under your hood leaving you with an expensive repair bill.

One customer complained of a check engine light and a rough running engine. Upon investigation we found a mouse had chewed through the wiring for his fuel injectors.

Another mouse got into a blower motor where he expired. Every time the heater fan was turned on, it made a loud vibration noise. Some signs you might want to look for under your hood include deposits of bird seed, nests made of string, twigs, insulation, fabric and what looks like dryer lint, or funny noises when you turn on your heater.

Our PeeShots are perfect for this application. They come in an 8 pack and are “Pee-Loaded” with 100% Original PredatorPee. Remove the lids and place the PeeShots near each tire and in engine compartment or other target areas in the vehicle. Remove before driving. Choose BobcatPeeShots for mice, CoyotePeeShots for rats and ‘coons, FoxPeeShots for squirrels, and WolfPeeShots for domestic and feral cats.

Help us get the word out – call Click and Clack – tell your friends, tell your neighbors – don’t let this happen to them or you.

That reminds me, I should go stick some in the Scout, the boat and the tractor since I startled a fieldmouse a couple of months ago who had made a home in my headlight!

Until I find more words . . . The PeeMan

Words from the Customers – Part IV

Hello All!

Well this has just about got to be the rainiest Labor Day weekend I can remember. There are flash flood warnings up across the state and there are more puddles than pavement on the roads. So, while it is soggy outside, I decided what better time to sift through the PeeMail inbox. And it was so full of great testimonials, I just had to pass them on immediately! So, without further ado, let’s hear from the people . . .

“A neighbor told me about your website after he helped me deter rodents from eating my car wires with fox-pee(from your company). We put the fox pee on sponges placed under the hood but not touching the engine.” – Mary

“A man who works here part time I think found it on the internet. It works very well in our new flower beds which possums, raccoons, etc. otherwise like to dig up to get insects. So we have become satisfied customers.” – Ross

“How did I find out about you? Animal Experts, the good folks who take those awful raccoons away, recommended you, and your predator urine. This is my second order, count me as a loyal customer! “- Mary O.

“I came across your website through Google. I have a coyote problem and was concerned about my feral cat population….hard to believe in the semi residential area which I reside in. Predator Pee has worked and I have become your loyal customer. Your service is prompt and accurate! Thanks for your help!” – Kathy

“Good Day, I originally came upon your product through a search engine and have been ordering your product for the last 3 years and have been a very satisfied customer since.”- Wilf

“I saw 100% Coyote Urine, used on TV. It wasn’t advertised, simply used, and I happened to notice the bottle. I Googled the product, and went to your informative website.” – Rue

“I had heard of coyote urine to repel rats from my exterminator. I googled it through Safari and came up with your company. Looking forward to receiving it and sprinkling around my yard.”- Janene

Well, until I find more words . . .

The PeeMan

Ward Off Winter Wire Chewers

Hello Again!
Well it has been a rough week around here. I am starting to feel like I am living in a bad country song. My truck broke. Then my motorcycle went on the fritz. If my dog dies or my wife leaves me then I will be right there with a tear in my beer. But, seriously it has been one of those weeks.

Enough personal stuff. In Maine, the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler, and that can mean only one thing — fall is coming and winter will be short to follow. That means that it will soon be time to get those boats out of the water and rvs off the road. At the same time all the small nuisance rodents are eagerly waiting to find a warm cozy place in which to spend the long winter months. So it is time for you to start thinking about protecting these valuable assets from chewing, nesting rodents. And the PeeMan once again has your back. Our Car-Rv-Boat Pak is the solution to preventing the expensive damage that can happen when your rvs and boats are in winter storage. But, don’t take my word for it . . .

“Hi,
I have been ordering Bobcat Urine from you for so long that I am fuzzy on the details. I believe I did a Google search about nontoxic ways to get rid of mice. I believe that led me to some articles about bobcat urine, then I did a Google search on bobcat urine and there you were. It works great for my purposes. The fewer mice my cats bring in, the happier I am.”
Tamara

“Sir, you have a very effective product. I have ordered your product in the past with no problems…Animal Control here in Temple City suggested your product.”
Nino

“A friend, who is a satisfied customer, recommended you. This is my second order. Obviously it worked the first time or I would not have ordered again.”
Elizabeth

Nuff said!

Until I find more words. . . The PeeMan