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Ways to Keep Rodents Out of Your Car:

Here are a few ways that can prove helpful to keep mice, rats, and other rodents out of your car. You can choose the best suitable method as per your vehicle, resources, and surroundings. There is also the option to use a combination of methods for higher success rate.

1) Clear the Area:

Scout the area where your car is parked to find and eliminate potential hiding and breeding spots for rodents. For example, it is not a bright idea to park your car near the bushes. Parking areas in the cities might not have grassy areas, however, one must be on the lookout for unattended trash or boxes, and avoid parking near such areas.

In short, clear the area around the car and do not allow the rodents to create a shelter for themselves. Keep the area litter-free, hygienic, and non-cluttered. This will ensure that the rodents do not find a conducive habitat in and around your vehicle.

2) No Food Zone:

Mice and rats are living creatures. And living creatures need food for their survival. Therefore, if you leave food in and around your car, it is bound to attract rodents. Cutting off such food sources can help you to keep uninvited guests away.

For those who park their cars in a garage or a compact indoor parking space, ensure that no food items are lingering around that area. Children tend to drop food crumbs in the car while eating – make your car a ‘no food zone’. It’s not just human food that you need to be aware of, rodents also eat dog and cat food along with livestock feed and seed.

3) Let There Be Light:

Most of the rodents prefer to nest in dark places. They do not like light, especially when they are sleeping. Therefore, consider switching on the lights in the garage or park in a place which has ample lighting.

Keeping the car’s hood open to let light enter the usually hidden crevices of the car’s interior can discourage mice and rats from building nests and living inside your car. During the day, you can keep the car open enough to ensure that its interiors get maximum exposure to direct sunlight.

4) Peppermint Oil:

Rodents such as mice have a strong sense of smell and they do not take well to peppermint oil. Therefore, you can use it as a mouse deterrent. You can apply a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them strategically in your car to repel mice. Note that it is not a one-time solution but a process that needs to be performed repeatedly for a few days for optimal results.

5) Block the Entry:

If you are confident that you have found the entry point that the mice or other rodents use to enter your vehicle, then you can seal it with a mesh. It can be tricky to find an entry point as mice and rats can squeeze through tiny holes. You can have a word with a trusted mechanic concerning such entry points and seal them.

6) Gadgets:

Just as there is the option to use peppermint oil as a deterrent, there is the option to use electrical gadgets as deterrents as well. You can buy gadgets that vibrate or emanate a sound that only rodents can hear. Such gadgets are often motion-sensitive and are known to prevent nesting. Compared to peppermint oil, gadgets are a one-time solution.

7) Keep It Roaring:

An unused car can turn into a breeding ground for rats and mice. It is suggested to frequently start the car’s engine and let it roar for a while even if you are not taking the vehicle out for a drive. Do not let the vehicle’s engine go without a roar for a prolonged period.

8) Cats & Dogs:

Rats and mice fear cats. Other rodents will also be sceptical about nearing your vehicle if there is a dog around. Such pets can act as biological deterrents against rodents who might look at your car as home sweet home.

9) Trap Them:

You can use the oldest trick in the book if you are old school – the mousetrap. Lure the rodent with a bait and then trap it! There are some sticky-tape traps available in the market as well.

10) Poison:

Rat poison might seem like the preferable option but think twice before using it. Why? Because it is poison! One, the rat might die inside the vehicle and leave a pungent odour. Two, the rat might die outside and if some other predator eats that rat, it can also be poisoned. Beware while using this method.

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