Treating Cable Devices

New cables and other components are often coated in oil or grease by the manufacturer to prevent rusting. Furbearers have a keen sense of smell that can detect these odors, even when present in small quantities. The shiny color of new cables and components may also alert furbearers to their presence.

• Cable devices should be treated to:
  • Reduce light reflection and visibility and…
  • Remove undesirable odors and…
  • Add natural color to the device so that the animal does not become suspicious.
• Follow these steps to treat cable devices.
  • Boil the cables and their components in a solution of baking soda and water for 15 to 30 minutes to remove the protective oil coating and to etch the zinc coating and allow paint to stick.
  • Remove the oil or grease that floats to the top. Then rinse the parts in clean water and dry them thoroughly.
  • Give the cables and components a more natural color.
    • Spray paint them with a flat, earth-tone paint that will blend in with the environment or…
    • Coat them with dips, dyes, and other products designed for that purpose that are available at trapper supply stores.