Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Roosevelt Island Squirrels Dining On Engine Wires Causing Damage To Vehicles And Costing Residents Money To Repair - Rats Are A Problem Too


For some, our local Roosevelt Island squirrels are cute neighbors


but for others the squirrels are becoming a big problem.

Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) President Jim Bates shares this message he sent to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) yesterday:
In the last 3 years squirrels have caused damage to my personal van and to the RIDA Bus. 3 times my personal van has had its engine harness wires eaten by squirrels causing over $5000.00 damage to my van.

I am asking RIOC to see what can be done to prevent this from occurring again. My van is in the repair shop now with $2300.00 in damages. The Van has been parked in 3 different locations when damages occurred - Main Street, River Rd and under the bridge.

I was told that is a regular occurrence with other vehicles parked on Roosevelt Island...
Mr. Bates adds:
RIDA Bus had wires to headlight eaten November 2014. Damage cost $392.00 to repair.

My van was damaged on 12/21/14 and is in the shop now needing a new wire harness costing $2300.00
Also,  I have been hearing complaints about big rats all over Roosevelt Island. According to this January 2 Roosevelt Island 311 See Click Fix report:
There are numerous rats here! Please fix this issues; t's very disturbing, especially at night....

1 comments :

Joyce M. Short said...

Jim-


Many years ago, a family of porcupine were eating my house. They damaged the telephone wires and ate through the break hose of my car. All the brake fluid drained out and left me with no brakes as I descended the side of a mountain. It was an experience I'll never forget!


Long story short- camphor. I called the Catskill Game Farm nearby and they advised me to spread moth balls wherever I parked my car. I also washed the ground level siding of my house with a camphor solution. The problem stopped.


I'd advise you to throw mothballs under the car when you park it. Also, get a couple of porous bags, laundry bag quality, and place it under the hood and in the interior of your van. Don't forget to remove the one under your hood when you get underway.


Hope this helps!