Mice Proof Your Car for the Winter

Mice-proofing your vehicle should not only be reserved for the winter but year-round because once these rodents get into your car, they can cause much damage for example, their feces can become sickening causing the inside of your car to smell like a dumpster especially when the air condition or heater is turned on. They will chew on your car upholstery and to make matters worse will go as far as chewing on your car wires which can become a hazard causing fire or not allowing your car to start which can lead to much expense.
If your car is not allowed to start or can’t start because of an engine or other problems for weeks leading into months, mice and rats will build their nests. Rats are the larger of the two species and will birth their young under the hood of your car.
Some of the main reasons why mice are attracted to a vehicle are because of feeling safe where they can hide from predators, your car also makes a great shelter to protect them from the elements such as the wind, heat, rain, and chilly winter freeze.
How do Mice Enter Cars and Other Vehicles
You may be thinking how did that mouse get in my car, well here are a few ways mice get in your car.
- If your car has a spot that’s corroded with rust and has a hole.
- Holes around cables.
- Keeping your car windows or sunroof down near mice and rat-infested areas
- Pedal shafts.
- Steering columns.
- A Mice can use the car’s vent system as a tunnel to move from the engine bay to your car interior.
Signs that Your Car may have Mice or Rats
Here are a few signs that may indicate that you have a rodent issue, if you see these signs don’t ignore them but take quick action.
- You may see mice around your car.
- If you have pets dogs or cats, especially if your cat takes a sudden interest in your car or stays by your car staring.
- The smell of a foul odor coming from your car may be mice droppings or probably even dead mice.
- Chew marks on the car seats or upholstery, seat belts, any cushion that’s in the car, and even floor mats.
- The car air vents may be clogged.
- Wires that are gnawed or chewed, mice will also chew on car hoses.
- Finding a rat nest under your car hood, that is constructed from twigs, leaves, paper, food wrappers, grass, dried animal bones, fabric, string, bedding, and cardboard. You will also find mice droppings around the nesting areas.
How to Keep Mice and Rats Out of Your Car
Here are a few steps that will keep rats out of your car.
- The step in keeping rats out of your car is to first keep them out of your yard, rats are attracted to unsensitized conditions for example outdoor trash disposal areas where trash cans don’t have a lid or the lid is damaged and can’t seal in the garbage properly. Make sure that your outdoor trash storage area is kept clean and the lids on your trash can should be in good repair.
- Garbage that is allowed to remain on the ground around the garbage disposal area. Clean up any garbage from around your trash can followed by placing garbage in the trash can.
- Allowing a buildup of debris, don’t allow debris to build up around your yard. A yard that is kept clean and neat will not only discourage mice and rats but other rodents as well.
- Allowing and overgrowth of plants in your yard, plants should be properly maintained. Ensure plants and other shrubbery aren’t overgrown but are kept well-maintained because this will reduce the hiding places of rats, mice, and other rodents and will contribute to a neat and beautiful yard.
- Allowing open containers outdoors to collect water, open containers should either be turned upside down, placed in a garage or shade, or disposed of.
- Avoid eating in your car, if at times foods are consumed in your car use a car vacuum and remove food particles because mice and rats have a strong sense of smell and will follow that food sent. Ants and roaches may also pay your car and unexpected visit.
- If you don’t have a garage try parking your car in different parts of your yard, try not parking in the same spot.
- If your car has a sunroof make sure that your sunroof is closed at nighttime.
- Having a cat or two may be the answer to your mice issues.
- Clean your car regularly especially if foods are consumed to discourage mice and other pests.
- Make sure during night hours that all of your car windows are closed.
- If you are storing your car for a long time then put some moth balls under the car hood only not inside your car.
- If possible keep your car parked away from dumpsters.
- Honking your car horn every so often will give mice and rats a scare and will discourage them from building their nest under your car hood.
- Misting your car with a little mixture of peppermint oil and cayenne pepper around your car and under the hood will keep mice and rats away. Rats and mice hate the scent and taste.
- Safeguard your car from moisture buildup, because mice and rats are attracted to moisture, the way to keep moisture out of your car is by preventing the buildup of condensation in your car.
- A car that is damaged where moisture is allowed to get in will also attract mice, these damages must be repaired to keep mice out of your car.
- Keep the inside of your car free of clutter, I have seen the interior of some vehicles and wonder if the owner moved in with all of that clutter. Ensure that your car is clutter-free at all times.
Sound Repellants
The use of sound repellants will keep mice at bay, these sort range devices should be kept in close areas around your car, the sound that these devices emit is not harmful to humans and pets but will harm rats keeping them at bay or even killing them.
Rat Poison
The use of rat poison is a great way to bring control, place the poison around your yard but if kids and pets are present then avoid the use of rat poison because you don’t want kids or pets to have access to rat poison or any other chemicals that can be fatal. When it comes to poison and other chemicals such as pesticides and insecticides safety is always first so avoid the use of rat poison if kids and pets are present.
Rat Bait Stations
Placing rat bait stations in areas where rats are known to venture will bring control, however, ensure that these stations are hidden or out of sight where kids and pets can have access to them.
Get Help
Another option for mice control is to hire a professional pest control company to do the job for you.
Conclusion
Mice, rats, and other pests are always in search of a food source, water source, shelter, and a place to raise their young, it is our job to ensure that we deter them or discourage them from our yards and homes with these particle steps that have proven to be effective. We have so many options to choose from so don’t let these pests take over they can spread disease along with destroying our property. The good news is we can strike back by putting an end to their destructive behavior that can lead to many health issues and expenses.