Hi Mike,
Welcome! On the varmint problem, probably under the unit where the bottom cover goes around the wheels/axles, doesn't fit well there. I got some rigid plastic and some tin and patched mine up. They don't need much room, we hate them Meeses to Pieces
I do know they love Peanut Butter... they were eating on my Peanut Butter cookies before I evicted them.
Ozz