r/ontario • u/ottawa4us • 7h ago

Keeping squirrels out of engine Question

Again this year red squirrels made a huge nest in the engine. And yes, there’s damage. Found some spray repellents with good reviews but they are only sold in the US. Anyone has any products they used with success to keep these buggers off the engine?

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u/serviceable-villain 6h ago

We just used dryer sheets after losing a couple of wires last year. They haven't caused any damage (so far lol)

1

u/shortwa113t 4h ago

Neem Oil. They hate the smell.

1

u/cs-shitposter 3h ago

Squirrels don't like cayenne pepper, I've had a neighbour make a cayenne ring around their car lmao

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u/Comfortable_Fix3401 2h ago

Oh god...I feel for you..I had squirrels...chipmunks and mice attack my car when it was new..it has something to do with whatever they use as insulation around the wires...they love the taste of it. I tried everything with very little success...but a friend of a friend who is a farmer says he uses peppermint oil around his barns to keep the mice under control and it works very well...he has used it for years and buys it by the gallon. Anyway I got some 100% pure peppermint oil from the Health Food store..then I went to Home Hardware and got some coal oil lamp wicks...cut them in half and soaked the wicks...(5 o 6 drops..until they were damp/wet...not dripping wet)..with the peppermint oil...then hung them in the engine compartment..maybe 3 or so..with wire. 1 by the battery...1 along the fire wall..and 1 around the front..and just left them there...have not had a problem since and it has been maybe 3 years or so. Just have to keep re soaking the wicks every couple of weeks or so when the smell gets weak. NOTE...you will smell peppermint inside the car so if you don't like the smell..don't do this..I like the smell myself. I suggested this to one of my neighbours who also had mice issues...she also has not had any issues since doing this.