How To Prevent a Rodent From Living In Your Car

Oct 10, 2021

Let’s face it: some animals are best loved from afar. Rodents would be among that category of animals, and as the weather starts to cool down, those little guys are constantly looking for a warm place to bundle up in. Unfortunately for us, that warm place may turn out to be our vehicles, and suddenly, these animals that we love from afar become not so… far.

Not only do mice, rats, and squirrels (oh my!) carry diseases that are transferable to you and your pets, they can also cause some hefty damage to your car, costing you money in repairs. These little critters are known to burrow in places that are often out of sight, nibbling on wires or foam insulation, and that is never ideal. So, let’s go over a few signs that could tell us when one of these afar animals has ventured a little too close.

Look for animal droppings in and around your vehicle (Think of the time in The Office when Dwight found bat droppings but a little less chaotic.)
Anything that looks like it has been nibbled on by teeth that are not quite human (i.e. wire, foam insulation, hoses, etc.)
Nesting materials like small twigs, paper, leaves, etc. (This indicates a small animal attempting to turn your car into their home–which is kind of cute in concept, but definitely something we should try to avoid.)
Be aware of any unpleasant smells in your car.
If a wire has been chewed to any extent, this may cause your car to short, so be on the lookout for any unpredictable electrical shorts.

If you're positive your car is rodent-free, let’s talk about some way to ensure it stays that way. Be sure to remove all food and drinks from your car each time you leave it. We know it’s easy for food to get trapped in small nooks and crannies (especially if you have a little one riding in the back), but keep in mind, food and even sugary drinks can invite little critters into your car. Vacuuming your car regularly will ensure its cleanliness and make it so there’s less of a chance for a rodent to sniff out your car.

If you park your car in the garage, be sure you have all dog food, bird seed, and even plant food/fertilizer properly sealed. These items can attract rodents, and not only does that make them a little too close to your house for comfort, they might find their way into your car as well. Also, keep in mind, plant fertilizer can be toxic for those little critters, so while we want to love them from afar, we also want to make sure we’re not accidentally harming them. Plus, this could also be dangerous if your pets ingest, so it’s best to make sure it’s out of reach and sealed.

Be sure to also seal all possible entries as the weather starts to get steadily chillier. Rodents will be looking for warm places to make a home out of, so it’s important to make sure the smallest of entry is sealed.

Let’s say that you have done all of these things, and you still somehow find a rodent in your garage or in your car. That’s possible. Number one thing to remember, do not come in contact with these animals, and try to keep your pets away from that area as well. These animals carry diseases that are harmful to you and your beloved furry kids. After that, you can get rid of them by setting up humane traps and cleaning that area thoroughly. If all else fails, you can always bring in the professionals.

There are also ways to repel rodents with natural repellents you may have in your very own house.

Ammonia : Fill small amounts of ammonia in plastic water bottle lids and place it out of reach of children and pets around your garage.
Peppermint Oil : Rodents are known for not exactly loving the smell of peppermint oil, so try soaking some cotton balls and placing them in and around your car.
Cheesecloth Sachets : Use dry cayenne, mint, and whole cloves and place them in corners of your car and garage.

Keep these items in a constant rotation, making sure to replenish when low. Keep in mind, these smells won’t last forever, so you may want to do weekly refills.

We want to help you prevent any rodents from finding a way into your car or home. Let’s all be proactive, and it will save us the trouble of reacting! If you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the auto experts at Team Ryan Automotive. Call 678.765.7926 or schedule online here.

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