Useful tips on keeping mice and rodents out of your cars

There are the possible mice and rodents who declared your car as their temporary homes. Mice infestation is no small problem. They are dirty and they can bring with them serious cases of diseases. They are small animals that can cause massive destruction. With their lithe, little bodies, they can crawl into your vents where they can die and leave an unforgettable stench in the process.

They can also be successful and gnaw to their hearts’ content your car’s wires, tubes, and circuits. These annoying rodents can also gain entry into your car aside from the vent via the holes of your car cables, steering columns, and the pedal shafts. Windows being left open is also an open invitation to these mice.

Mice infestation is no small problem

Although mice and rodents seek warm and dry nests all year round, they are likely to be more persistent during the winter seasons. So, as a car owner, you need to be very vigilant all the time to prevent these rodents from coming inside your car. 

Should you see signs similar to these, then it means that you have to be more vigilant in keeping these rodents out of your car because their invasion has commenced. Rats and rodents are also likely to share and can invite the whole rodent neighborhood to share your car with them. These are some sure tell signs that you have four-legged creatures sharing your car without your consent:

• Chewed upholstery and insulation
• Claw marks and poop droppings
• Holes in non-metal engine mechanisms
• Wires that are gnawed
• Shredded gauze in the air vents

With these very obvious signs, it’s time to take action and here are some of Philkotse.com's recommendations to ensure that your car is strictly for humans only:

1. Remove possible food sources

This is the understatement of all times but this is the game changer of everything. Don’t leave behind foods of any kind. Mice and rodents are attracted to all sorts of food, be it dog kibble, garden seeds, emergency meal supplies, crumbs of any food, and anything and everything tagged as food in a rodent’s perspective.

Mice and rodents are attracted to all sorts of food

Should there be a need that these food be stored near your car, make sure that it is sealed in sturdy and rodent-proof containers; meaning no paper, cardboard boxes, or cloth bags.

If the policy of no eating in the car cannot be implemented then make sure that these leftovers and crumbs are cleaned. Avoid spilling anything in the car and vacuum between and beneath everything regularly.

>>> Read more: Eating behind the wheel: Bad driving habit you should quit doing.

2. Block entry

With no food to attract them and sealing off any possible entrance, then you are definitely steps closer in making your car rodent-free. Certain car models have air intakes that rodents self-interpret as ‘vacancy’ or ‘welcome’ signs so block off these with wire mesh. Understand that rodents can squeeze in their bodies very well so give them no other message but to keep out.

Understand that rodents can squeeze in their bodies very well so give them no other message but to keep out

>>> Check out: 6 steps to get rid of ants in your car and garage.

3. Use deterrents and repellents

Set the message clear that these rodents are not welcomed by using deterrents and repellents. Today, electronic repellents are widely available and reviews are positive. With a lot of options of ultrasonic to strobe lights and vibrational disruptions, you can surely find one that would serve its purpose and keep the mice and rodents out of the car.

There are also sound-emitting types that can be really disturbing to these annoying creatures. Believe it or not, smell inducing repellents that mimic fox and coyote urine is also available. 

Today, electronic repellents are widely available and reviews are positive

4. Repel via Odor

As briefly mentioned, rodents are not too fond of fox or coyote urine. These, aside from other scents, are a total turn off to them too. So, it might be good to have a go with these readily available scents: Pine-Sol, Irish Spring Soap, Peppermint Oil, Cayenne Pepper, and Pepper Spray.

You would notice that these scents all have that overall clean and minty scent and rodents and clean are two words that can't be together, ever.

>>>Tips for you: Having comfortable trips with essential oil in cars - Why not?

5. Keep your car dry

Aside from keeping your car clean, it also needs to be dry. Never let moisture build up inside your car. Aside from food, mice and rodents also thrive on water and will always be attracted to moist areas. 

To ensure that your car is all dry and uninviting to them, regularly checked for possible blocked pollen filter or a possible leakage in the heater. Keep the condensation in check as part of your regular maintenance. 

The worst case is to opt for rodent kill via poison. This might be the very last option though because if left undetected or if not attentively monitored, you will only know with the foul smell. Mothballs are poisonous to these rodents but also humans so only go for this if you don’t have any kids as passengers.

Mice and rodents inside your car are surely alarming and the sense of urgency to get rid of them is high

Also, there is the risk of these rodents transporting this poison somewhere else and could prove to be deadly to other innocent animals like your own dog or neighbor’s pet.

Mice and rodents inside your car are surely alarming and the sense of urgency to get rid of them is high. It might take a little time, changes in your behavior and extreme awareness so you can have them out of your cars but the success rate is definitely high.

You just have to take the necessary precautions and preventive actions so that the rodents would know that you mean business and that your car is yours and yours alone. They are not invited and will never be welcome.