Okay, I tried a quick search and I couldn't find anything, but then again, I have little idea what to search for...

I am looking for a replacement for some hose insulation that a mouse took a liking to while wandering around in my engine bay. The piece is sitting a little off-center on top of the engine just behind and above that metal bar that sticks out from the top right of the engine. So you don't have to run out to your VX, here's a pic. Look a couple dozen or so pixels from the top and about 40% across the image from the left and there you have the thingy I am looking for...



<Yup... I'm a real Ph.D.-type professor... but I have no idea what I'm doing inside my own engine compartment. Sigh. Don't tell my cadets.>

Anyway, I asked the local Isuzu service guys and they told me to head to Home Depot or Lowes. I did that and found something similar for plumbing insulation, but the outer diameter is way too big. Pep Boys and Advanced Auto Parts had no clue ("Have you tried Home Depot?"). So... other than finding a dead VX, does anyone have an idea of how to replace this part so I can feed another mouse? [And if anyone has a fool-proof way to fend off mice in a parking deck, that would be welcome too]

Thanks,