Mouse vs Car

I'd like to share with you some of the things we see going on with the cars in our community. It's that time of year again... Season of the mouse! 

This year it is shocking the number of cars we see that have signs of rodent's nest or rodent damage. There have been many that have extensive enough damage that we are getting the vehicle owner's insurance involved. Yes, if you have coverage, your insurance will cover rodent damage. 

With that being said, I would like to revisit some possible deterrents that we can all do to help keep the mice at bay. One or more of these may save you a bunch of money and a ton of heartache. 

Let's start with the easy one. If you live in an area that allows, popping your hood to allow extra airflow can help. Remember to close your hood before you drive off. Mice love a nice cozy area away from the wind to snuggle and create their nest. Your engine compartment is a perfect spot for them. 

Some people tell you to use rat poison to get rid of the mice. If you have pets or live in an area where you don't want the wildlife to be affected, that may not be the best choice. Alternatives to poison that are safe for pets can be peppermint oil, dial bar soap, dryer sheets, or scented sachets. There are a few sachets on the market that you can trust. Beware, like people and perfume, some mice may like the scent you use, and some may not. This means that you may need to try different brands. If you do opt for the sachets, remember that they only last for about 3 months. It may be a good idea to get extra or add a reminder to your calendar to get more. 

I was given a suggestion of using salt. Mice like salt. This is why they like wiring. The casing used for our wiring harness has a salty flavor to them. It's like a buffet for the mice to munch on while they are cozy and warm in your engine bay. If you decide to try the salt, you would put salt at the perimeter of your property, away from your home. This is supposed to attract them to the salt and away from your home and car. I do ask if you try this and it works, please send me a message or call me to let me know. I would love to hear from someone that has used this tactic. 

One final option to try, ultrasonic rodent repellant. This is something that you would install or have installed in your engine compartment. It is mounted and wired in to emit ultrasonic waves or a light that causes stress to the rodent. You can find many options if you search for them. My only suggestion there is to be sure and have a professional install it if wiring is needed. We don't want to see anyone with electrical issues caused by installing an aftermarket component incorrectly. 

If you are a victim of the mouse, I do feel for you. Please know that with regular visits, at least every 6 months, to your certified automotive repair garage you should dramatically reduce the possibility of incurring rodent damage. Just another reason to have your car serviced regularly. Hopefully one or more of these solutions help to keep your car safe from the season of the mouse.


Cheers!