The last place we want to be on a brisk ten-degree day is standing outside our broke down car searching hopelessly, with frozen eyelids, for an identifiable problem with an easy solution. Frozen locks and dead batteries, sure, but chewed wires?! Rose Pest Solutions warns you of possible rodent issues inside your vehicle and what can be done to prevent them below!
You’re probably already aware of the fact that rodents, much like the rest of us, are seeking shelter from the cold in warm homes and garages. What you might not know is that, according to Curtis Rand, Rose Pest Solutions VP of Operations, “cars offer the same protection and food sources for rodents that homes do. Plus, eco-friendly materials increasingly being used by car manufacturers, such as soy-based wiring, only further attract them and their palates.” All of this means that rats and mice looking to escape the cold can find their way into your car through small openings along the underside of your vehicle. Seriously.
Can rodents really hide in my car? Yes, they can!
See? Look how small those holes are. You didn’t believe us when we told you that rodents can effortlessly navigate up tires and into your vehicle through columns, vents, pedals and shafts, but the underside of your vehicle is nothing short of a playground for the small beasts of destruction.
Why does this happen?
Mice, rats and other rodents are on the hunt for the perfect nesting spot, which means finding insulation, food, and storage. These unexpected ridesharers often end up in cars or trucks because they can check all of those boxes–especially if your vehicle is rarely driven or parked in a garage. Mice chewing on wires and circuits, along with rats nesting with the important pieces of your automobile, have caused everything from electrical damage to fires.
Although rodent-induced car repairs could be a financial headache, much worse damage can be caused by the diseases they’ve been known to carry. With health in mind, it is far safer and much more economical for vehicle owners to prevent pests now rather than repairing damages later. A small rodent problem in the garage can quickly transfer to a large infestation in the house. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and Rose Pest Solutions provide the following tips to help keep your vehicle and garage rodent-free:
- Check around base and within vehicle for rodent droppings, signs of gnawing, frayed wire, and nests.
- Carefully note any entry points along the perimeter of garage and seal with steel wool, silicone-bases caulk, or a combination of the two.
- Minimize waste in car and garage by throwing away any food related items or trash.
- If internal damage is present in vehicle, consult a mechanic.
- Contact a licensed professional pest control service to rid the problem before it grows.
- Learn about the difference between mice and rats using the Rose Pest Solutions Pest Library.
Rats or Mice in Garage? Rose Pest Solutions Can Help!
If you’ve followed all the helpful tips and tricks we talked about but you’re still having a problem with mice, rats or any other pests, contact us for support 800-GOT-PESTS. We’re happy to help.
