You’ve gotten ready for work, put on your coat, and stepped out the door, only to discover your car won’t start. Maybe the heater isn’t working, the dash lights are out, or the vehicle won’t turn over at all. While there are many potential reasons for these issues, few drivers consider that mice or other rodents might be the culprits. Unfortunately, rodents in car engines and interiors are more common than you might think.
Rodents can cause extensive damage to your vehicle, from chewing on wires to contaminating your car with droppings. Today, we’ll help you understand how they get inside, why they love to nest in cars, and how rodent control in Tucson from Burns Pest Elimination can help you keep them far away from your vehicles.
How Do Mice Get Into Cars?
Finding mice in cars happens more frequently than many people realize. Rodents are opportunistic creatures that see cars as safe, enclosed spaces to hide and nest. This issue isn’t limited to any particular vehicle type. If you drive a compact sedan or a large SUV, the risk of rodents making themselves at home in your vehicle is the same.
The problem is especially prevalent in pest-prone urban and suburban areas, where cars are often parked outside and may contain enticing food remnants. If you regularly store your car outdoors or leave food or trash inside, you’re creating the perfect environment for a mouse infestation.
Are Mice More Likely To Invade Cars in the Winter?
Yes, mice are more likely to invade cars during colder months. Unlike some mammals, mice don’t hibernate. Instead, they actively seek out warm, dry places to take shelter. Let’s learn why.
Why Are Mice Drawn to Cars?
- Warmth. Your car’s engine generates significant heat when running—only about 25% of the fuel’s energy converts to forward movement, while the rest dissipates as heat. This warmth lingers for hours after the engine is shut off, creating an inviting space for rodents to explore and settle.
- Shelter from the elements. Cars are designed to withstand a variety of weather conditions, from heavy rain to snow and wind. This durability also benefits mice, as the vehicle’s structure keeps them dry and protected. Multiple entry points, such as gaps around cables and vents, make easy access for rodents seeking refuge in your car.
- Hiding spots to nest and store food. Once mice find their way into your vehicle, they’re likely to tear apart upholstery or wiring to create nests. While damaging your car’s interior, they may also bring in their food for the winter, turning your car into a shelter and a pantry. If the infestation goes unchecked, you may even find baby mice taking up residence.
Signs of Mice in Your Car
Rodents can infiltrate nearly every part of a vehicle, from the engine bay to the cabin air filter, creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Common signs of mice in your car include:
- Droppings or hair may be found under the car or inside the cabin.
- Unpleasant odors may emerge if the mice reach the HVAC system.
- Damaged upholstery, like torn cushions or chewed areas, may indicate nesting activity.
- Mechanical failures from gnawed wiring can cause malfunctions in your car’s essential systems, such as headlights, heaters, or ignition.
Top Tips for Keeping Mice out of Cars
The most effective way to keep mice out of vehicles of all sizes is to store them indoors. However, not everyone has access to indoor storage, and even if you do, extra precautions are always the right idea. Let’s go over how to keep mice out of car engines:
- Drive your vehicle regularly. This tip is vital for classic cars or vehicles not frequently used. Routine drives keep the car in good working condition and help you identify any existing rodent activity before the damage worsens.
- Turn up the heat. If you suspect mice are in your car, park in a safe, open space and let the heat run for 10 minutes. The elevated temperature can drive rodents out. Similarly, loud, bass-heavy music can scare them away.
- Set traps under your vehicle. For those living in rodent-prone areas, set traps beneath your car to catch mice before they enter.
How Professional Pest Control Services From Burns Can Help
If you’ve taken precautions to protect your car and still find mice inside, it may indicate a larger infestation on your property. Mice in your garage or yard could easily migrate to your vehicle, even if you store it indoors, so let Burns Pest Elimination’s rodent pest control services help you keep them out.
The last thing you want is to be stuck disinfecting areas contaminated by rodent droppings in your car. Burns Pest Elimination can help you avoid rodent damage to your vehicle while keeping your entire home protected.
Contact us today for a free rodent control quote.
