Rodents in Cars - Causes and Prevention
Rodents in Cars - Causes and Prevention
Many people look for ideas on how to avoid rats in cars as this is quite a pertinent problem in India. There are many reasons why and how rodents get into vehicles, but keeping them out must be everyone’s top priority. This is why we have some great tips and guidelines for you to help keep your vehicle clean and rodent-free. Take a look.
How to Protect a Car from Rats, Rodents and Mice?
There are some common reasons why rats, mice and other rodents get into cars. First and foremost, you need to identify the causes and then act upon them. Here are some handy guidelines
1. Keep food out
The biggest reason why rats and mice get inside a car is because they get attracted to food. Many people have a habit of eating inside the car. They often leave unfinished packets of biscuits, chips, etc in the car. Crumbs fall on the floor and on the seats and remain there while the car is vacant. Rodents come looking for food items, so make sure your car doesn't have any at any time.
2. Seal the entry points
You need to look for holes and gaps through which the rats may be getting in. Put a cover or mesh over any such point. If required, take your car to the garage, use your comprehensive car insurance cover and get the problem fixed.
3. Use gadgets
There are some gadgets available in the market that help repel rodents by making ultrasonic noises and vibrations. You can install any such gadget in your car to ensure the mice and rats don't enter and the ones nested there also leave.
4. Use essential oils
Some essential oils like peppermint oil repel rodents. Rodents have a sharp sense of smell and they are quite intolerant towards strong aromas such as that of peppermint oil. If you are looking for ideas on how to avoid rats in car naturally, this would be a good one for you.
5. Use traps or rat poison
If the gadgets and natural remedies don't work, you will have to resort to rat traps and poison. Place them strategically in the car to get the best results and make your vehicle rodent-free in a quick time.
6. Keep it in a well-lit, clean place
The car’s parking spot plays an important role. If your car is parked in a dirty, rodent-infested area, the animals will get inside the car as well. Mice and rats also like staying in dark places. If you want to keep your car protected against rodents, park it in a clean and well-lit place. This will greatly reduce the rodent problem.
7. Have pets
If you have pets like cats or dogs, allow them to roam around your car. Rodents are very afraid of larger animals and would not come near the vehicle if they spot a cat or dog.
These are some easy ways in which you can prevent rodents from entering your car. You can try
What Are the Common Damages Caused by Rodents in a Car?
1. Compromise in hygiene
Rodents make your car highly unhygienic. They spread germs and diseases and may even bite you or the other passengers in the car, leading to complicated issues.
2. Smell
You will see a change in the odour of the car when there are rodents around. This can be very unpleasant and distressing.
3. Faulty wiring
Rodents are known to chew away the wires of the cars. This can lead to faults and flaws in the car. When you take it for a drive thereafter, there can be a serious accident and you will have to make a car insurance claim.
4. Damage to important components
Apart from the wires, rodents can also cause damage to other important components of the car such as the engine and the brakes. This can also lead to dangerous consequences, so ensure there are no rats and mice in any part of your vehicle.
Don't ignore the presence of these pesky rodents in your car. They can cause some severe damage, so expel them from your vehicle at the earliest.
What Are the Signs That Show Rats Have Entered the Car Already?
1. Foul odour
As stated, rodent presence can cause a very foul smell. Don't ignore any sudden or gradual change in odour in the car.
2. Unusual sound
The rats and mice chew and gnaw. These actions have a distinct sound. If you spot any unusual sound, look for the source.
3. Improper display
If the display metres suddenly start malfunctioning, you will know that the rats have chewed the wires away. This is another important pointer. Use your car insurance cover and get it fixed right away.
What Are the Possible Ways for Rodents to Get Inside a Car?
1. Through vents
Rodents can easily get in through the air vents, AC vents, etc. Keep the vents clean and check them regularly to avoid an infestation.
2. Through holes and broken parts
If there are any holes or broken parts in the car, they become an easy entry point for the rats and mice.
3. Through the boot
The boot is often opened and closed. This gives the tiny animals a great opportunity to climb into the vehicle and hide.
What Are Possible Places to Find Mice Nests Inside a Car?
1. Under the seats
Rodents are commonly found under the seat of a car.
2. Dashboard
The dashboard of a car is another popular nesting area for rodents and mice as it is dark and quiet most of the time.
3. Battery compartment
The battery component is warm and dark and these provide the ideal nesting grounds for mice and rats. The rats nesting here can also damage the battery, leading to a road accident. Apart from settling a third party insurance dispute with a stranger you may harm in the accident, you also have to get your own car fixed.
4. Boot
The boot is large and has many dark corners. The mice not just get in, but also hide and stay there comfortably.
Conclusion
If you suspect some rodents have already entered your vehicle, look for how to avoid rats in car naturally. You may need to administer some form of natural medicine or trap. However, if the situation gets out of hand, you may have to call for professional help. Take a call based on the situation and keep your car safe and clean at all times. Ignoring a rodent infestation may lead to widespread damage and you will have to make an expensive car insurance claim later. Remember that prevention is always better than cure!
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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