Squirrels chewing through propane hose
 

Hello!

Recently, we replaced the 4' long hose that connects our portable grill to our 5 gallon propane tank, because the hose was leaking. We didn't inspect the hose at the time, assuming that the weather had caused it to crack.

Well, I went out back today (taking a break from cleaning the wheels on my car) and smelled propane. Sure enough, there was a hole in the hose. I assumed that somehow the rubber had melted (the hole was close to the regulator on the grill), but on closer inspection, I found that something had chewed through it. I assume it was a squirrel.

Firepower isn't an option (the squirrels around here outnumber me by far, and my girlfriend wants to catch one and keep it for a pet; also, knowing this area, it's probably illegal), so does anyone have any ideas on how to deter them? I had the idea of getting a piece of flexible conduit to cover the hose, but I'm not sure I can get one big enough to get around the fittings, and I'm sure there's a better idea. :) Catching and releasing's probably not a good idea, simply due to the sheer numbers of them around here...

Any thoughts would be appreciated...thanks in advance! :)

One of those flexible metal conduit things can't be slipped over the rubber hose? I don't think they cost too much, and they can be cut to size.

Smear Tabasco on the hose?

http://www.pestproducts.com/deerblock.htm

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I'm sure the conduit will fit over the hose itself, but is it a wide enough diameter to get around the fittings at the ends of the hose?

I might try the tabasco sauce trick...but I definitely need a new hose; duct tape failed to seal the hole well enough. :(

Bad ending for a bad day...

My dad has had good luck with this:

Get some small size hardware cloth - that wire mesh with roughly 1/4" square holes - and wrap it loosely around the hose.

Then again my mom has also had good luck with a Remington pump action pellet gun:D :eek:

jlc

My neighbor has had good luck with a 22.:D

You can buy steel braided cable (not just the cover) at some auto parts outlets. Also available are the A/N fittings that are compatible to what you currently have for your propane setup.

Braided cable is not cheap though...expect to pay $30 or more depending on the cost per foot where you shop...although I don't know what length you need...

Knowing your area, Warden, I'll bet that if the wrong people read this post you'll have to continue providing protection AND new propane hoses for the little creatures............


Wes

http://gas-light-4u.safeshopper.com/7/cat7.htm?487

Call these guys and order a stainless steel pigtail.

Or google.

Steel braid...then plug it in:D

One of these will do the trick.
 

Use Colibri Hummingbirds or Eley subsonic rounds. A slammed screen door is loud in comparison.