Before hitting the road for the first time this season, like always, I had my trusty mechanic give the Star a thorough once over. This year he says, "It's all great but we had to replace mouse chewed wires." "Okay, whatever."
Two weeks later I turn the key and there's no neutral indicator light - and the Star won't star. “Grumble, grumble.” Side stand up, bike starts, side stand down, no start. Bike is in neutral, no light, side stand down, no start – side stand up, start. “Growl!" It's in neutral but it doesn't know it. Did they miss one wire? No, the light was working when I rode it last time. Grumble some more and it’s back to the shop. The general consensus, the motorcycle mousinator has struck again.
Sure enough, last time she just stopped by to taste the wiring buffet ... this time she moved in the furniture ...
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| Bird's eye view with tank cover removed, notice a little extra pink insulation! |
I'm really grumbling now, having just paid to have the wires replaced for a second time in three weeks, so Bruce the mechanic says try Bounce dryer sheets, they don't like the smell or something. Or something! A little research on Bounce dryers sheets (très toxique) and I'm starting to think the mouse is way smarter than the human. I think I understand why a mouse might stay away ...
It is potent smelling stuff. I could smell it well outside the shed. But tonight my Star sleeps with bounce sheets stuffed into her every orifice. Should I worry she may suffer nerve damage or dementia? NO, this is war! (Mouse 2: Motorcycle 0 ... will keep you posted.) But you won't find bounce in my dryer.
That would be so funny if it weren't so expensive!! Now I will have to research Bounce as a mouse repellent just because it sounds so out there. :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been an expensive mouse adventure ... was thinking of bringing the bike into the house where the cat could patrol! (If I could only get it up the step.)
DeleteI think this means that you need to get on the road ASAP before the mouse returns with a gas mask.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right Richard ... get outta town before they find me again. I wonder if they'd miss me at work?
DeletePoor Star, being attached by this gruesome and almost invisible enemy.
ReplyDeleteInteresting bit about the Bounce dryer sheets, now I get it, why you would not find them in Germany... likely verboten! due to the contents.
I've never used them until now that is. I had no idea how toxic they are. They look so innocent sitting there on the grocery store shelf. But this is war.
DeleteWow, I did not know that about dryer sheets. Maybe I can return the HUGE costco box I haven't opened yet?
ReplyDeleteI think I might if I were you, unless you need to keep the mice away.
DeleteNot funny... BUT... you'll be riding along this summer and people behind you will be saying "what's that SMELL!!"
ReplyDeleteDavid, I had such a hard time trying to decide which fragrance to buy for the rodents too - hope the people behind me appreciate "Fresh Outdoors," though it doesn't smell like any fresh outdoor space I've ever smelled.
DeleteA chemical cocktail of clean laundry. If it doesn't keep the mice away, their bedding will smell fresh.
ReplyDeleteHope it managed to keep them from taking up residence and having another nibble.
Trobairitz, If I'm gonna run a mouse hotel at least it should be fresh don't you think...I wonder if there's a tripadvisor.com for mice?
DeleteBounce dryer sheets also work wonders for keeping deer out of the garden (we go through a lot of them).
ReplyDeleteI'm way behind.
ReplyDeleteAny progress?
Coop - so far, so good. Come Friday I dare those little rodents to find me, for a month or so.
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