Mice are known to seek out any suitable location for nesting, and your vehicle could provide an ideal habitat.

Related reading: How to Keep Mice Out of Your Home for Good

It is important to note that while mice are a common issue in residential settings, they can also pose a significant risk to vehicles. Mice can cause extensive damage to vehicles in a relatively short period of time, which is particularly concerning given the potential for damage to occur while the vehicle is in use. It is therefore advisable to take measures to prevent mice from accessing vehicles.

During the winter months, rodents may seek out warm and comfortable environments, including within vehicles. Here are some tips on how to prevent mice from entering your vehicle and how to deal with any evidence of mouse activity that you may find.

How to Prevent Mice from Accessing Your

Vehicle

It is always preferable to prevent mice from gaining access to your vehicle in the first place, rather than attempting to remove them once they have established a residence. There are a number of methods that can be employed to make a vehicle less appealing to rodents.

Refrain from Storing Food Items in Your Vehicle

The most effective method for preventing mice from entering your vehicle is to ensure that there are no appealing substances within the vehicle itself, according to Jeffrey R. Schmidt, Market Technical Director at Terminix. "It is advisable to keep your vehicle clean and vacuum the seats and floor mats regularly," he states. It is important to ensure that food is never kept in the boot and that drink spills are cleaned up immediately. This will prevent your car from providing food and shelter, which will make it less appealing to mice.

Utilise a more secure parking location

Your garage can serve a number of purposes in addition to protecting your vehicle from the elements. It can provide an additional layer of protection for your vehicle, preventing unwanted access from pests such as mice. If you park outside, it is advisable to avoid areas that are likely to be used by mice for shelter, such as tall grass or dense shrubbery. "This provides an easy point of access for mice to reach your vehicle."

Take your car out on a regular basis

A vehicle that is stored for an extended period in a garage or driveway is more likely to be perceived as a secure location by mice. A car that is rarely driven can provide the ideal environment for mice to nest.

Consider the use of mouse deterrents

Some scents, such as peppermint, cayenne and cedar wood, may assist in deterring mice from your vehicle on a temporary basis. They can be employed as an additional measure following the implementation of the other rodent prevention steps.

How to Identify a Mouse Infestation in Your

Vehicle

The most evident indicator of a mouse infestation is when the vehicle's functionality is compromised, according to Schmidt. A mouse infestation can result in significant electrical damage to your vehicle. On occasion, electrical wiring is insulated with a soy-based plastic that can prove irresistible to a hungry mouse. Furthermore, gnawing is an effective method for maintaining dental hygiene and sharpening teeth. Additionally, the chewed debris may be repurposed as nesting material.

Additionally, it is advisable to monitor for damage to fabric, floor mats, and cushion material; activity in the trash in your car; or, if you prefer not to see them, mouse droppings, which are tiny, quarter-inch rod-shaped pellets.

How to Remove Mice from Your Vehicle

Schmidt advises the use of snap traps with peanut butter or another food lure to trap and remove any mice from your vehicle. Another potential solution is the application of rodenticide in the vehicle. However, if the rodents die in the car, an additional odour may be created.

Once your vehicle is free of mice, please ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned. It is advisable to air out the area as you work and to wear rubber gloves and a high-quality mask when cleaning it, in order to prevent the spread of disease. It is advisable to refrain from using a vacuum or a broom, as this can result in the dispersion of virus droplets into the air.

It is recommended that a general-purpose disinfectant product, bearing the designation "disinfectant" on the label, be used. Auto care companies such as Armor All offer disinfectant wipes for this purpose. It is advisable to refrain from using bleach, as it can cause damage to leather and other materials used in the interior of your vehicle.

Once your vehicle is cleaned and restored to a pristine condition, it is essential to maintain this standard on a regular basis. This will ensure that mice are effectively deterred from accessing your vehicle.