[pianotech] Mouse solution - It's us or them!

[John Ross]

On moth balls. 
I remember that Tuner's Supply used to sell a special liquid. 
They said, or inferred that some moth stuff had a corrosive potential, on the metal parts of a piano, and theirs didn't.
John Ross
Windsor, Nova Scotia.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Chuck Behm 
  To: pianotech at ptg.org 
  Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2009 7:53 AM
  Subject: [pianotech] Mouse solution - It's us or them!


  First, I fulfilled my promise to several instructors from convention, and
  myself, and raised my rates. Go for it.



  Second, is there anything that can be sprinkled or left inside a piano that
  will deter mice from returning?



  Brian P. Doepke, RPT

  A.A.A. Piano Works, LLC

  Piano Tuning + Service

  Brian - In that here in Iowa, we have a huge problem with mice in pianos, especially in farm homes, I carry with me a mouse deterent solution that has always seemed to work. I use small cans, such as tuna fish or cat food cans without a lid, emptied and cleaned, and then filled with moth balls. Put tin foil over the can, tape securely, then poke several small holes with a sharp knife. Put a can or two inside the piano on the bottom of the floor of the piano. This is in uprights, of course - I haven't seen the problem in grands.

  Also, if at the back of the piano on the inside there are open spaces between the floor of the piano and the back of the soundboard, stuff those with #3 steel wool. 
  I've been doing this for years, and have never had a re-infestation of mice inside a piano so treated.

  I've also heard that those fragranted dryer sheets that you toss in the dryer work as well in preventing the little rascals from returning, but I haven't tried this.

  Oh, and while you're doing all this, recommend a thorough vacuuming out of the piano, especially under the keys, where the mice most likely chewed up the front rail felts and made a nest for themselves. 

  Charge appropriately for this, as it will take about an hour's time. Chuck

  P.S. - Ron mentioned that mice are smarter than us. I would have to say amen to that. I've got to run right now, but I've got a story about a mouse in a piano that I still can't believe. I'll sit down and write about it a little later on today, when I have a chance.  
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