There is a good chance that you have seen a mouse run across the floor of the place where you are living at some point in your life. However, have you ever come across a mouse in your car? This happens a lot more than you might think, and having a mouse in your car can cause extensive damage that you definitely do not want to have to deal with.

Mouse in Your Car? Signs of Rats & Mice

Rats, squirrels, mice, opossums, chipmunks, and other rodents can damage your car in many ways. The engine compartment of a vehicle is often warm and dark, making it a perfect place for these rodents to nest. The question is, how do you know there are rats, mice, or other rodents living in your car? More importantly, how do you stop these rodents from causing extensive damage to your vehicle? Here are some signs that you might have a rodent residing in your car.

Droppings and Bad Smells

If you notice droppings and/or urine around your car, if there seems to be an odd smell in the car engine bay or coming through the air vent system, this could be a sign of a rodent making your car its home. Strange sounds, especially when you turn on the fan or the heater, are also indications that you might have a nest of rodents residing in your car.

Rodents also need to eat so that you might notice dog food, acorns, birdseed, or other types of items near your car. This can indicate that the rodent has made a nest somewhere near your vehicle, and possibly inside it. Occasionally, you might see a rodent such as a mouse or a rat jump out from near your car when you go to get into it.

Essentially, if you notice anything out of the ordinary near your vehicle, it is a good idea to look inside the hood to see if there is any damage. If you spot chewed wires, or any materials to build a nesting area, these are indications that your car has a mouse problem.

Types of Damage

In order to keep their teeth sharp, rodents are continually chewing on things. They will chew through just about anything. When they are near your vehicle, they might chew through steering lines, plastic panels, and any wires or hoses they can find. This can cause severe issues with your car and can become quite costly.

Additionally, mice and rats will build nests as their shelter. They can get nesting material from different areas of your vehicle. This can include the insulation from your carpet or hood liner and your interior carpet. Some of the common locations where rodents might build their nest include the heater blower motor, the center console, the engine compartment, the trunk, air conditioner ducts, the cabin air filter, and anywhere else they can find.

Keeping Rodents Out of Your Vehicle

There are several things that you can do in order to reduce the chances that mice or rats will choose your vehicle as a living space. If you are parking your car in the garage, make sure that any birdseed and pet food is sealed up tightly, so the rodents are not attracted to the area. If you have had prior issues with mice in your garage, consider setting traps to help prevent mice from taking up residence in your vehicle. You should not leave any food in your car.

Do not let your car sit for long periods, as this will allow the rodents to get comfortable. Taking your vehicle for a drive around the block every other day can prevent rodents from setting up home.

There are also mesh devices available for purchase that can help keep the rodents away from your vehicle’s hoses and other components that rodents can damage.

Dave & Rays Automotive Repair Shop in Omaha, NE

Our team has learned one thing: automotive problems are as varied and unique as the customers who bring them to us. Fortunately, our decades of experience in auto service and repair also mean that our skilled network of professionals is ready to accommodate an impressive scope of automotive issues. Contact us today.

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