Wondering how to keep rodents from damaging your car — aren’t we all?
Here’s how to notice rodents are in your vehicle (and avoid a costly repair bill):
Because rats, mice, and other rodents can cause extensive damage to a vehicle’s wiring, it’s important to notice their presence quickly and keep them out, but doing so successfully will require a bit of work.
The three main signs that you have a rodent infestation are chewed wires, droppings under the vehicle’s bonnet or in its interior, or nesting materials in the same location.
Wrap Your Vehicle’s Wires
If you notice that your car isn’t starting due to suddenly frayed or chewed through wires, then it’s likely that you have a rodent problem. There is an easy solution, but you’ll need to partner with your mechanic to do it.
Honda has a product called “Motor Tape” that is infused with capsaicin (the stuff that makes peppers hot!) and although it’s not cheap to install, it’s still certainly less expensive than installing an entirely new electric system.
So, in order to quickly deter rodents from chewing through your vehicle’s wires, the key is to catch it early.
Make Your Car Less Cozy
One of the main reasons that rodents make homes in our vehicles is because they are looking for a way to keep safe from the elements. So, if you start noticing rodent droppings or things like nests of leaves and other debris in your engine, here’s what you can do:
One of the easiest ways to prevent rodents from damaging your car is to make it less cozy.
If you have a rodent problem, you can do small things like leaving your bonnet open when your car is parked for long periods of time, as well as focusing lights on the tyres and the engine, or hanging shop lights under the car.
Set Rat Traps at the Base and Tops of Your Tyres
This is because the tyres are the most common way for rodents to find their way in and out of your vehicle, however, you should be sure to check local regulations about the kinds of traps to use.
Infuse Your Vehicle with Mothballs
Mothballs are poisonous, so it’s best to put them in a nylon bag or other container. Once you do that, you can hang them inside the vehicle’s engine. You can also hang them near the tyres. This discourages rodents from venturing into the vehicle for refuge or a snack.
You’ll know it’s working when the droppings and nesting materials begin to disappear.
Treat the Engine with Deterrent Spray
There are plenty of “rodent deterrent” sprays currently on the market and available from leading auto parts stores. Many of the sprays have scents that many rodents do not like, such as peppermint.
Have damage from a rodent infestation in your vehicle? the team at Sutherland Automotive will be more than happy to help you make your car roadworthy again, as well as help you prevent further damage.
Contact us today!
