Basement water

[pdplot]

For the first time in 40 years, we had water in the basement - about an inch. A rug got ruined and some cardboard boxes. We had a tiled finished basement. Why? I'll tell you why. God^%$#$ Groundhogs, woodchucks, whistle pigs - that's why. We have a whole family, plus a couple of rabbits, squirrels and a thousand chipmunks. Found a 10" wide hole just past my downspout and it had poured. I called my landscaper and he filled in the hole (don't worry - there's another hole for them around the corner) and put in a piece of plastic piping to carry the water away from the foundation. So far, so dry. Oh yes. We caught a mouse a couple of nights ago. He had chewed up the plastic handle of a grater. You want rodents? We got 'em. There are now bobcats, foxes and coyotes around and now - black bears. Right here in Suburbia, knocking down bird feeders and smashing beehives.

 

[mikephillips]

I feel for you, while not as bad I am constantly filling in chipmunk holes. Wish they'd get tired of redigging them round the corner, right next to and basically all over.

 

[NutmegCT]

drive the pests away - to your neighbor's house?

Put pieces of ammonia-soaked cloth down into those holes.

We've had 1/4 inch rain in three months. Eastern Connecticut is driest it's been in 128 years. Please send rain.

 

[Basil]

Put pieces of ammonia-soaked cloth down into those holes.

I've heard that used cat litter serves a similar purpose (recycling at its finest). Must be true, I read it on the internet.

 

[JPSmit]

we used used kitty litter to get rid of a skunk under our shed + talk radio playing 24 hours a day.

But the squirrels..... diabolical bastages around here.

 

[DrEntropy]

Steel wool stuffed into any small openings. Mice, rats 'n squirrels only try chewing that once.

 

[John Turney]

we used used kitty litter to get rid of a skunk under our shed + talk radio playing 24 hours a day.

But the squirrels..... diabolical bastages around here.

Talk radio playing 24 hours a day will get rid of most things.

 

[JPSmit]

Talk radio playing 24 hours a day will get rid of most things.

Not going to lie, one of the very few things skubks and me have in common.

 

[Jerry]

What is a basement?
(from California)

 

[mikephillips]

Well doggie, it's that indoor unheated cement pond swimming hole. (from the Midwest and a country boy)

 

[Gliderman8]

What is a basement?
(from California)

It’s the place where the Cincinnati Reds currently live.

 

[mikephillips]

That is true as well. While they can't do a "we'r number one"cheer they're hoping that by the end of the season they can do "We're not the worst". Long shot, but you gotta hope for something...