Mice in cars in winter

How Do You Keep Mice Out of Your Car In Winter?

When the winter months roll in, so do the challenges of keeping mice out of your car. These unwelcome pests seek warmth and shelter in the most unexpected places, and unfortunately, your car is a prime target. From chewed wiring to nesting in your engine bay, mice can cause extensive damage, leading to costly repairs. That’s why it’s essential to take proactive steps to prevent a rodent infestation before it begins.

Why Mice Are Attracted to Cars During the Winter

Mice are naturally drawn to the warmth and safety that cars offer during the cold winter months. When temperatures drop, your car’s engine compartment becomes a cozy refuge for these small creatures due to the heat it retains, even after the car has been turned off. Additionally, mice are attracted by the potential access to food, such as crumbs or leftover snacks in the car, and nearby sources like pet food or bird seed stored in the garage. Cars also provide excellent nesting materials, as mice look for soft, warm spots to build their homes, and components like air filters, upholstery, and engine insulation provide everything they need for their nests. Cluttered garages or sheds add to the appeal, offering more hiding spots and easier access to your car.

How to Prevent Mice from Entering Your Car

Protecting your car from mice requires a combination of strategies. These steps can help keep rodents out and reduce the risk of infestation:

• Seal Entry Points: Mice can squeeze through the smallest of gaps. Inspect your car’s engine compartment, tailpipe, and air filter housing for any openings. Use steel wool or other materials to block these entry points wherever safe and possible.
• Store Cars Properly: If your car is in storage for the winter, keep it in a secure garage and consider using jack stands to elevate the vehicle. This makes it harder for mice to access the undercarriage. Learn more about how to store your car properly here.
• Reduce Attractants: Mice are drawn to food and clutter. Remove any food sources in and around your car, including pet food or bird seed, which should be stored in airtight containers. Keep your garage clutter-free to eliminate potential nesting opportunities. Here’s a guide to mouse-proofing your garage.

Botanical Repellents and DIY Solutions

If you’re looking for eco-friendly ways to keep mice away from your car, there are several DIY solutions to consider:

• Fresh Cab® Rodent Repellent: EarthKind’s Fresh Cab® is a plant-based repellent that uses a blend of essential oils and botanical ingredients to deter mice. It’s an excellent no-kill alternative to traps and poisons and features a money-back guarantee.

While some DIY solutions have been popularized, not all are effective in the long term:

• Peppermint Oil: Mice dislike the smell of peppermint. Soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them around the engine bay and interior can offer temporary relief. However, the scent fades quickly and may not be a reliable long-term solution. Read more about peppermint oil’s effectiveness.
• Irish Spring or Scented Soap: Shaving pieces of soap and scattering them in your car might deter mice temporarily. However, this method doesn’t work for everyone and can leave behind both a messy residue and a strong scent.
• Dryer Sheets: Like soap and peppermint oil, dryer sheets are sometimes used to repel mice. While the strong smell can deter mice initially, it fades quickly, requiring frequent replacements.
• Mothballs: Using mothballs in your garage can repel mice but use them sparingly. The strong chemical odor can linger in your car. Considering the risks mothballs pose to people and animals, extreme caution should be used with this method.

Signs of Rodent Damage in Cars

Undisturbed areas, like the glovebox or trunk, may be especially appealing to rodents. When mice nest here, the damage can be surprisingly extensive. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed since these areas may not be accessed as frequently as other parts of the vehicle. Mice have been known to chew through items stored in the trunk, such as blankets, bags, or shoes, using these materials to build their nests. Paper, cardboard, and fabric are particularly vulnerable. In addition to personal belongings, mice can shred the insulation, seat cushions, or carpet lining the vehicle, leaving behind visible signs of damage. As they create their nest, they also leave droppings and urine, which can lead to unpleasant smells and even contaminate the items stored inside or in the vehicle.

If mice make their home in your car, here’s what can happen:

• Shredded Paper or Documents: Mice will chew up anything inside the glovebox, such as registration papers, manuals, or napkins, to use as nesting material.
• Unpleasant Odors: A mouse nest often leads to a lingering, foul odor due to droppings, urine, and the nest itself. This smell can seep into the car’s interior, making it difficult to remove.
• Chewed Wires: Mice love to gnaw on car wiring, which can lead to costly electrical repairs. They can access electrical components near the glovebox and trunk, gnawing on wires and potentially causing electrical issues or failures, like malfunctioning lights or sensors.
• Health Concerns: Rodent droppings and urine can carry diseases like hantavirus, so it’s crucial to clean thoroughly and carefully if you discover a nest. These issues might not become apparent until they begin to interfere with the car’s functionality.

Regular inspections can help you identify rodent problems before they get out of hand. Using Fresh Cab® in your garage can help repel mice before they even enter your car. Here’s how to tell if you have a mouse problem.

Keep Mice Away This Winter

By taking proactive steps to protect your car, you can avoid the costly damage that mice can cause during the winter. From sealing entry points to using proven-effective repellents like Fresh Cab®, these preventive measures will help ensure your car remains mouse-free.

For those storing vehicles, such as RVs or campers, the threat of mice can be even greater. Regular inspections, proper storage, and rodent repellents are essential for keeping rodents out. Learn more about protecting larger vehicles here.

Be vigilant and remember that Fresh Cab® Rodent Repellent is your best defense against mice. Use it in your car and garage to keep your vehicle mouse-free all winter long. Shop Fresh Cab® here.