Squirrel Eating Gas Lines!

[lbrodsky]

Imagine my surprise when I smelled propane as I walked past my 2001 Safari 27-B parked in my driveway between weekend excursions. A squirrel had gotten under and inside my propane tank area and chewed through one of the neoprene pigtails, causing a gas leak. Close inspection also showed chew marks (but no leak) on the 36-inch low pressure neoprene hose that connects from the regulator to the metal tubing distributing the LP gas throughout the trailer. Airstream says these hoses can be replaced with steel braided hosing of the same capacity/specs. Other possible solutions include placing all rubber hoses through a stainless steel spring-like device which prevents the gnawing teeth from reaching the rubber. Another RV supply shop technician says simply enclose the neoprene hoses inside a piece of standard non-neoprene garden hose (apparently, the squirrels only like to eat neoprene). Another guy suggested wrapping the hoses in aluminum foil. Anybody have any proven suggestions?

Lew Brodsky
Springfield, VA

[Jim Clark]

Shoot the squirrel.

[davidz71]

How about plastic wire looms with the split down the side and an inside diameter that would approximate the outside diameter of your hoses. If he starts on the tires on your coach or your car, I recommend Jim's advice, shoot the squirrel, but don't recommend eating him afterwards. A neopreme eating squirrel just can't taste good. Craig

[Jim Clark]

Lew, I have been fighting squirrels for years. They get in my attic, my garage, everywhere. Last year I trapped over 20 and relocated them. I call them tree rats. I had a family in the attic, when I went up to get them out I scooped up a baby and the almost fell through the ceiling, I thought I had a rat. I then brought the squirrel to the vet. I did find out that they don’t carry rabies. If anyone know how to get rid of these pest let me know.

Here in Louisiana we have a rodent called a nutria who also likes neoprene. They had a habit of biting into high voltage line on a runway lighting system, that killed them.

I would try wire braid, you may find some at a auto parts store, hot rodders cover their hoses with the stuff.

[Jim Clark]

Lew, one more thought about squirrels, if you look close at the picture of my wife and myself sitting in the trailer you will see me holding a little black miniature schnauzer, his name is Freddie. When he is in the yard a squirrel will not touch the ground, they are bred as ratters and do one hell of a job. Freddie catches one every so often and it’s not pretty.

[Pick]

Jim, relocate them??? That just makes them someone elses problem. I have to deal alot with racoons, and we just, well you know, NOT relocate them, as it is illegal to do so with wildlife pests here in Ohio. Since our neighbors dog died we are now being overun with chipmunks.

[Jim Clark]

I relocate them to a undeveloped area, but if I do have to relocate a dog or cat I bring it to the well to do gated development a few miles away. Beter chance to find a good home than at the shelter. Racoons yes, chipmunks no. I do try to treat our animal friends nicely even when the do not do so in return.

Airstream, just to stay on topic.

[Rog0525]

If you can't find your squirrel gun, moth balls serve as a pretty good varmint repellant. Mice once tried to lay claim on an old Avion I had in storage but a generous sprinkling of moth balls convinced the little squatters to find a more rodent-environmentaly-friendly habitat.

[lbrodsky]

Thanks for all the tips, but I think I have employed a good solution. There is a non-rust product made by Brushtech of Plattsburgh, NY, available in many hardware stores...look in the barbeque grill and outdoor patio section. It is a gas barbeque line guard that looks much like a 48-inch long shiny flexible spring coil, about 1.25-inch inside diameter. I installed this non-rusting product over my neoprene gas lines from tank to regulator, and regulator to copper fitting under the tongue. Thus far, this has served to deny the hungry critters access to the gas lines. I used three sections of this stuff for a total cost of about $15.00.

Lew Brodsky
2001 Safari