Driven by curiosity and a penchant for the unusual, the author sampled Honda's rodent-repelling tape, designed to deter critters from chewing car wiring. The tape, infused with capsaicin, delivered a potent, lingering burn that surprised and impressed. Despite the intensity, the author found the experience oddly enjoyable, appreciating the unique flavor and comparing it favorably to spicy candies. Ultimately, they declared their willingness to taste the tape again, emphasizing its effectiveness and unusual culinary appeal.
In a 2021 culinary exploration driven by morbid curiosity, writer Justin Krajeski recounts his experience tasting Honda's rodent-repelling tape, a product engineered to deter critters from chewing on automotive wiring harnesses. This tape, impregnated with capsaicin, the active component responsible for the heat in chili peppers, is intended to be an irritant to rodents, discouraging them from damaging valuable vehicle components. Mr. Krajeski details his procurement of the tape, which he notes is readily available for purchase online, highlighting the ease of access to this ostensibly industrial product.
He meticulously describes the physical characteristics of the tape, observing its resemblance to standard electrical tape, but with a slightly textured, gritty surface. This granular texture, he posits, likely contributes to the delivery of the capsaicinoid irritant. He then proceeds to narrate the lead-up to the tasting, admitting a degree of trepidation mixed with an almost scientific fascination.
The central act of the narrative, the tasting itself, is depicted with a surprising level of detail. Mr. Krajeski describes placing a small piece of the tape on his tongue, initially registering a mild, almost sweet flavor. This is swiftly followed by the anticipated fiery onslaught of the capsaicin, which he describes as an intense burning sensation that builds over time. He likens the experience to consuming an extremely spicy pepper, noting the lingering heat and the physical reactions it provokes, such as sweating and a slight tingling sensation. He does not, however, recommend the experience to others.
Despite the evident discomfort, Krajeski expresses a certain satisfaction with his experiment. He frames his undertaking as a blend of journalistic investigation and personal dare, driven by the absurdity of the very notion of tasting such a product. His conclusion underscores the effectiveness of the tape as a deterrent, confirming the potency of the capsaicin and validating Honda's engineering solution. While acknowledging the unpleasantness of the sensation, he curiously expresses a willingness to repeat the experience in the future, perhaps a testament to his adventurous palate and penchant for the unconventional. He reflects on the unusual nature of the experience and muses on the strangeness of intentionally tasting something designed to be unpleasant.
Summary of Comments ( 300 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43013615
Hacker News users generally found the article amusing and intriguing. Several commenters discussed their own experiences with rodent problems and various repellents, with some suggesting alternative methods like peppermint oil or Irish Spring soap. Some expressed skepticism about the tape's effectiveness, questioning whether the capsaicin would deter rodents in the long run or simply cause them to chew elsewhere. A few users were concerned about the potential harm to pets, while others joked about the author's dedication to investigative journalism. The most compelling comments offered alternative solutions based on personal experience or questioned the logic of the tape's design, wondering if it would truly solve the underlying rodent problem.
The Hacker News post "I tasted Honda's spicy rodent-repelling tape and I will do it again (2021)" linking to a substack article detailing the author's experience tasting rodent-repelling tape, generated several comments.
Many commenters express disbelief and concern about the author's decision to taste the tape. One commenter states, "This is one of the more… interesting… things I've read today," highlighting the unusual nature of the experiment. Another commenter questions the author's sanity, jokingly asking "What’s wrong with you people?"
Several commenters discuss capsaicin, the active ingredient in the tape, and its effects. One explains that capsaicin's effectiveness as a rodent repellent comes from irritating rodents' sensitive noses and mouths, not necessarily from the "heat" as perceived by humans. This comment explains that the experience might be less about taste and more about pain and irritation.
Some users shared anecdotal experiences with capsaicin, including using capsaicin cream for pain relief, and noting the intense burning sensation it can cause even on skin. Another commenter mentioned the difficulty of removing capsaicin residue, warning that simply washing hands with soap and water might not be enough.
A couple of commenters raise concerns about the potential long-term health effects of consuming capsaicin, especially in concentrated forms like the tape. One commenter mentions potential damage to mucus membranes.
Finally, several commenters point out the humorous aspects of the article and the subsequent discussion, with remarks such as "The internet is a strange place." and "Well, that's one way to spend an afternoon." The overall tone of the comment section is a mix of amusement, concern, and fascination with the author's unusual experiment.