Myself, I can't stand the smell of moth balls.  So, before I ever even
had ferrets, I started using cedar blocks.  I'm not sure if this would be
a safe alternative.  I know I haven't had any problems with my guys.  The
smell isn't strong, but the blocks work.  I get them at Wal-Mart.  I get
two different things.  For my closets, I use the cedar blocks.  They're
basically a chunk of wood on a little hanger and you hang it on the rod
with your clothes.  I keep the door closed to the closet.  The fuzzies
have access to the room with the closet in it, but not to the closet
itself.  For my drawers, I use the wooden cedar balls.  But, my bedroom
and bathroom (the two places I use the cedar balls) are off limits to the
fuzz kids.
 
As far as ferrets pulling phone cable.  My husband used to install phone
and computer cables as well as various refill systems for pharmacies,
phone systems, etc.  He was always telling me he was going to make the
weasels "earn that expensive food they're chowing down on."  But, he
doesn't like mice.  I told him it wouldn't work without the mouse, so
he quickly changed the subject.  (This part is a bit off topic.)  When he
had to run phone cables through a long stretch of ceiling, he'd use his
remote control car.  He had one that the wheels would change positions
with the push of a button on the remote.  It was able to climb over the
junk that's in the ceiling.  Maybe this will work.
 
Janice
[Posted in FML issue 4306]