Yikes... that's rough but honestly not too surprising anymore. I just get a proper tourist visa before I go now, saves the headache. Those border agents really crack down on back-to-back visa runs these days.

Have you tried the finger test I read about, like @oscarkelly suggested?

Honestly, just stop cleaning the brushes. Leave them covered in soot and creosote in a corner of the garage. Kids hate getting filthy, and that black grime is a natural deterrent. They touched mine once, got their hands and clothes all messed up, and never went near them again. It's not pretty, but it turns your tools into the last thing they'd want to play with. A clean brush looks like a fun hiding stick, but a dirty one is just a gross chore.

Texas heat alone would make me travel more.

Try explaining it to your dog next.