Rats and mice can do serious damage to your home. However, if you have rodents in your car, you could be in for a really bad time. If left to their own devices, rodents can leave your car unsafe to drive.
What rodent control options are available for infestations of rodents in your car?
If you are concerned that rats and mice have taken up residence in your car, it’s time to act. Here are some ways to detect and get rid of rodents in your car.
The Dangers of Rodents in Your Car
Rodents in the home can be a bad enough issue; however, infestations of rodents in your car can cause some serious problems. Rodent teeth never stop growing, and they need to consistently chew things to keep their teeth sharp and short. That means that anything in or on your car is at risk.
Wires, hoses, plastic parts, and brake lines are just a few potential chew toys for rodents in your vehicle. You may experience issues while driving depending on what parts your new furry friends have eaten through. Worse still, since many automobile makers are using plant-based materials in their vehicles, rodents may enjoy eating some parts of your car.
Rats and mice may also harvest parts of your car in order to build their nests. Insulation, upholstery, and seat stuffing are all potential nesting materials for rodents. Once the rodents in your car have their supplies, they may build their nest in your car.
There is the potential for rodent issues in and around your home if rodents are found to be taking up residence in your car. This is especially true if you park your vehicle in your garage.
Are There Rodents in My Car?
One sign that you may have a rodent issue is visible droppings, urine, or an overall bad smell in your vehicle. These signs coupled with odd noises from your vehicle may indicate an infestation.
If you notice common rodent foods in or around your vehicle such as acorns, nuts, seeds, or similar snacks may indicate that rodents are bringing food back to their home. If you notice food in odd places in your vehicle, rodents may be the cause.
Chew marks are another obvious sign of rodents living in your car. If you see strange bite marks on parts of your car, rats or mice may be the cause.
Of course, witnessing a rat or mouse jump out of your car is a clear sign of a potential infestation. While one rodent may not guarantee a rodent issue, you should take some time to investigate the vehicle for more rodents before driving. This is especially true if you notice any other signs of a rodent infestation.
What Causes Rodents to Infest Cars?
It’s easy to understand why rodents may infest our homes; it’s warm, there’s easy access to food, and there are plenty of places to hide. But why would mice and rats take up residence in a car? It’s noisy, mobile, and dangerous.
Rodents have an easy time getting into vehicles. While the vehicle may be loud when turned on, it still offers protection from the elements. Staying in a car is much warmer and more secure than trying to make a burrow outside.
If you are one to eat in your vehicle, then food scraps may also lure rodents in your car. Leftovers make a great snack for rats and mice. Once a rodent enters the vehicle, it may decide not to leave.
Finally, access to nest-making materials is a great reason for rodents to live in your car. Instead of squirreling the insulation and other materials away to a secondary location, it’s easier for rodents in your car to just build the nest inside of the car.
Common Locations for Rodents in Vehicles
There are a few places in your car where rodents may be more likely to build a nest. These include, but are not limited to:
- Under the center console
- Behind plastic paneling
- The trunk
- The engine console
- Air conditioner ducts
- Heater blower motors
Each of these locations provides adequate space and protection for most rodents. If you suspect a rodent infestation, take a look in these sections of your vehicle for signs of a nest. You can also contact rodent control specialists for help locating a mouse or rat infestation.
Rodent Pest Control Options
Once you determine that you have a rodent infestation, it’s time to think about your pest and rodent control options. The longer you let the rodents live in the vehicle, the more damage they can do.
Start by putting on some gloves and thoroughly cleaning out your car. Vacuum and wash as much of your vehicle as you can; if you find nests hidden in areas of the vehicle without rodents present, get rid of them. Make sure that there is nothing that rodents could use as food anywhere in our around the vehicle.
Open all of the car’s doors and windows after cleaning to allow for proper ventilation. This may also drive out any remaining rodents in the vehicle while you clean. You should also fully disinfect the vehicle after the initial cleaning to ensure the removal of any rat droppings or urine.
Make sure you wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself while you clean. Rats and mice can carry diseases, so keep as much skin as you can cover. If you are ever in doubt or if rodents are still present when you attempt to clean, contact a pest control specialist for assistance.
Remove Rodent Infestations in Your Vehicle
There are plenty of rodent control options you can utilize if you have a rodent infestation in your car. Remember, if you have reason to suspect that the rodents may be carrying diseases, or if you don’t know how to handle the infestation safely, contact pest and rodent control services for help. The less risk you put yourself in, the better!
Are you searching for pest and rodent control specialists to help with your infestation?
We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our rodent control services and continue reading our blog for more information today!
While these steps/tips will help reduce the likelihood of a rodent infestation, there is no guaranteed way to eliminate all risks.
