Having mice in your home is a cause for concern. Finding them in your car is taking it somewhat too far. How do they even manage to get in?
These notorious pests can fit in the tiniest space in your vehicle. So, locking the doors and pulling up the windows isn’t enough to stop them.
Besides using your car as their favorite home due to the warmth, mice can chew on the seats and wiring, causing significant damage. After they feed, these shameless pests will leave their droppings all over the seats and dashboard.
But that’s not the worst part. Wait until one dies in your car; you can’t stand the stench. Plus, there’s a high risk of getting viruses and fever from rats.
If you struggle with this problem, we’ll show you how to keep mice out of your car. But first, let’s see how they get there in the first place.
Mice are curious animals, always investigating every inch of their surroundings. They’re always looking for food sources, shelter, and a place to hide from predators.
Your car provides all that. You may not have left any food in your car, but the soy-based wire coatings are among the rats’ favorites. Plus, they can chew on anything else, provided they get in. So, how do they gain entrance?
These pests do so through the engine compartment, which has openings for air inlets. They can also chew through parts of the air filter and utilize existing vents designed for cables, the steering column, and pedals. If you don’t use your car often, they’ll nest in the car’s engine and start multiplying.
How can you prevent that?
Getting rid of mice may not be easy. You have to use safe methods that won’t damage the car or affect your health. Here are some methods that are both safe and effective:
Avoid parking your car near a damp site and tall grass, where rodents can easily hide. If your compound has fallen leaves, especially during the autumn, rake them away. Mice can seek shelter in them and eventually get into your car.
Also, mice are nocturnal creatures, which means they’re more active in the dark. So, if you leave your parking space well-lit, it might scare them away.
If you eat from your car, clean the food crumbs to avoid attracting rats. Plus, avoid keeping a garbage can in your car. If you do, empty it frequently. Remember, mice are dumpster divers, and the smell from fast food bags can be a magnet for them.
People with RVs are more likely to have rodent problems. So, it’s highly essential to lock food in the cabinets and keep the van clean.
You can use natural repellents, such as peppermint oil, dryer sheets, or mothballs, to prevent mice from getting into your car. Place these repellents in the areas where rats are likely to enter your car. Such areas include under the hood and in the trunk. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper in areas of your car where rats are likely to pass or hide.
If you suspect a mouse in your car, you can use a trap to catch it. Mouse traps come in various designs, such as live, glue, and snap traps. All are effective but will only work when the mice have already entered the vehicle. Although you can place a few under the vehicle to trap those seeking entrance.
Another way to keep rodents out of your car is by blocking the entrance. Besides closing the doors, windows, and sunroof, seal any openings in your car’s underside. You can’t block all holes completely if they help with ventilation and releasing exhaust fumes, but you can install a wire mesh to make them too small and limit the entry of mice.
You can use ultrasonic sound devices that produce high-frequency sound. This sound is harmless to humans but can deter rodents.
Alternatively, use devices that produce predatory sounds to scare the mice away. If you have none of that, honk the horn or play loud music before you start driving. That will scare the mice from the most hidden part of the car.
For sure, there are many ways to kill a rat; the list above isn’t exhaustive. You can try several methods to see which one is most effective. Using natural ways to repel mice, such as essential oils, noise, and traps, ensures that you don’t put your health at risk.
If the rodent problem originates in your garage or backyard, your whole house is at risk. Call McDonald Pest Control to provide reliable solutions to your problem. McDonald Pest Control can help you get rid of rats and any other pests terrorizing you at home.
Call us today for professional pest control services and to keep mice and rats out of your car!
