What To Do When Mice & Rats Infest Vehicles

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When it comes to you maintaining your vehicle, you know you need an oil change every 5,000 miles or so and you realize the importance of tire rotation, but did you ever think you might have to worry about rodents getting under the hood? Our guess is probably not and yet every year and especially during the winter, automobile owners in New Jersey discover mice and rats in their vehicles. 

Why do rodents infest vehicles?

Mice and rats infest vehicles for several reasons; here are a few:

1. It’s easy to do so.
2. They provide shelter and warmth.
3. There’s plenty to chew on. 

Even if you buy the most reliable car on the market, it’s still going to be easily accessible for mice and rats. They’ll scramble up through any hole or opening. Since the bottom of vehicles is wide open, getting up in the engine is a cinch for these destructive pests. 

Rodents do not like to be out in the open and will search for shelter that protects them from predators and of course the elements. The engine compartments of vehicles possess the necessary attributes for survival which are security and warmth. It should be noted, engines aren’t the only part of vehicles these pests will infest, rodents will also hide and nest in air filters, hoses, and ducts. And if they can squeeze through an opening that leads them to the cab/body of a vehicle, there’s a good chance you’ll find them there too (especially if there’s food present). 

Rodents chew. And chew. And chew. In fact, they really don’t have a choice if they want to keep their teeth at a manageable length. Since most of their daily activity includes… you guessed it, chewing, it’s not really all that surprising that rodents chew on wires and other parts of vehicles. 

Types Of Rodents In New Jersey

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Deer Mice

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House Mice

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Norway Rats

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Roof Rats

Vehicles that are susceptible to rodent infestation

While any vehicle could become a place of refuge for rodents, cars that have been parked in one spot for a long time and those parked outside are more likely to be sought after by destructive mice and rats. 

How to prevent rodents from damaging your vehicle

One way to protect your vehicle from rodents is by storing it in the garage rather than on the street or in your driveway. Of course, if your garage is susceptible to rodent problems, there’s still a risk. 

You should also keep your car immaculate – that means no fast-food wrappers, old coffee cups, or crumbs.

What to do if you think your rodents have damaged your vehicle

If your vehicle isn’t running properly and you believe rodents are to blame, we recommend contacting your mechanic right away. Chewed wire harnesses and other issues can have serious consequences and could jeopardize your safety if not addressed.

Home pest control services will help deter rodents

In addition to checking your car regularly for signs of rodent activity, we recommend signing up for home pest control services that deter mice and rats from encroaching on your property. Here at Arrow Pest Control, we offer residential plans that are designed to eliminate pest activity and prevent new infestations from occurring. Serving Essex Fells, Livingston, and Summit as well as throughout our multi-county service area, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been helping New Jersey residents since 1973 and welcome the chance to help you protect your home and family from nuisance and potentially destructive pests. Check out our residential pest control plans and pricing below or simply give us a call!