Rain Gauge Spider and Wasp Repeller

thingiverse

I have a wireless rain gauge that works great, but it's a magnet for spiders and mud dauber wasps, which build webs and hives that jam the tipping bucket. Over time, I've found that moth balls and urinal cakes repel pests nicely, so I tried them here too. However, I needed something to hold the mothballs without interfering with the bucket or limiting diffusion. I created a small bucket to fit over the antenna post and added drainage holes in case rain splashes in or out. The snap-fit cover has ventilation holes with a drain system that lets water out but keeps vapors inside. As the moth balls vaporize, they'll need to be replaced every few months. UPDATE 2-28-18 After eight months, I needed new batteries and was thrilled to find no signs of insect nesting, and about a quarter of the mothballs were still in the container. This solution really works! I printed these parts using CraftWare medium auto slice without support or raft.