If you own a car, you know that taking care of it is important. But did you know that your car may also be attractive to rats and other pests? While it may seem gross, rats are attracted to cars for the same reason they’re attracted to any other shelter – because they offer protection from the elements and predators. And, unfortunately, once rats get into your car, they can do a lot of damage.
So what can you do to protect your car from these furry intruders? In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to keep rats out of your car – and what to do if they’ve already made themselves at home.
First lets understand why rats are attracted to cars?
What do rats eat?
Rats are attracted to cars because they offer a warm and safe place to nest. In addition, cars often have food sources that rats can access, such as garbage in the trunk or crumbs in the seats.
How do rats get into cars
Rats can get into cars through small openings, such as holes in the exhaust system or gaps around the doors. Once inside, they can build nests and have access to food sources.
Prior to preventing rats from getting near your car, its very important that you get rid of any traces of pee, poop, hair or any kind of smell. Isopropyl Alcohol, Boric Powder, Phenyl, Odor Eliminators, Forate Acid, Sanitizers, Bay Wash, or anything that can get rid of any traces that the rats have left behind.
Destroy the nest – I know it might sound inhumane, but imo, rats are pests that needs to be eliminated cause they can destroy a lot of stuff and cause diseases and plague.
To know how to destroy a rats nest – click here.
How to prevent rats from getting into your car.
Use rat traps
One of the old and working methods to prevent rats from getting into your car is to use rat traps. You can purchase these traps at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to set the trap in an area where you have seen rats or where you think they may enter your car. Check the trap regularly and dispose of the rats in a safe manner. (Rats can come back to the nest even if left in a long distance – a minimum of a kilometer away is best).
Use rat poison
Another way to prevent rats from getting into your car is to use rat poison. Rat poison is available at most hardware stores and online retailers. Be sure to follow the directions on the package, and place the poison in an area where you have seen rats or where you think they may enter your car. Check the area regularly and dispose of any dead rats in a safe manner.
Keep your car clean
A third way to prevent rats from getting into your car is to keep it clean. Rats are attracted to food sources, so be sure to keep all food sealed tight and out of reach of rodents. Empty garbage cans regularly, and vacuum often to remove crumbs and other debris that might attract rodents.
How to get rid of rats in your car.
Remove food sources
The first step to getting rid of rats in your car is to remove any potential food sources. This means cleaning up any crumbs or spills, and making sure there is no food left out in the open. If you have a garbage can in your car, make sure it is sealed tightly so that rats cannot get into it.
Use a rat repellent
There are many commercial rat repellents available, but you can also make your own at home. A simple way to do this is to soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around your car. The scent of the peppermint will keep rats away. You can also try using ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sound waves, which will deter rats from entering your car.
Here is where you have 4 options.
1-Smell and 2-Retardent.
Herbal Treatment, Repellent Sprays, Ultrasonic Devices, Human Intervention.
Herbal Treatment:
Solution 1 :
Things you need : Eucalyptus Oil, Coconut Oil, some cotton.
Pour 100ml of eucalyptus oil into 400ml of coconut oil(or of your desired quantity). This will be your immediate solution as these items are available at home. Use this mixture on cotton balls and gently place them near areas where the rats probably enter. This has to be done often as the oil can dry up. Alternatively you can also spray them over the areas the rats can enter.
Solution 2 : Herbal Cakes
Herbal Cakes – These cakes probably made out of neem and other pungent smell emanating leaves are your second best bet. These cakes can be poisonous and if you have pets or young kids at home, this is a strict no-no.
Solution 3 : Tobacco Leaves
Any pooja item store near you should stock these tobacco leaves, or the chewable tobacco that is harmful to health can at least help you here. Getting rid of rats. Tie a few pieces of leaves to the areas that are away from hot engine areas and to areas where the rats might enter. Whenever the tobacco leaves are wet, they emanate a strong smell that can drive rats away.
Rat Repellent Sprays.
Rat Repellant sprays work till the odour is emanating from the sprayed surface area. They work great but often can enter the cabin and smell bad. They are quite pungent and can easily penetrate the cabin and stay there for quite sometime. So, just spray on the exterior near the tires and wheel arches only and not into the engine bay ac intake areas. Spraying around the car often can avoid the rats from entering the car engine bay.
Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasound devices have been in the market for quite sometime and have got mixed reviews. However, CarCat has been working for a few people I have suggested. Car Cat is easy to install and is a bit expensive. But the chances of it working it both ways.
Call Pest Control
If you have tried all of the above methods and still cannot get rid of the rats in your car, you may need to call an exterminator. Exterminators will be able to identify where the rats are coming from and how to best get rid of them using professional-grade products and methods.
Conclusion
Rats are attracted to cars for many reasons, but the most important thing to remember is that you can prevent them from getting into your car in the first place. By using rat traps, poison, and keeping your car clean, you can deter rats from making your car their home. If you already have rats in your car, removing food sources, using a repellent, and calling an exterminator are all effective ways to get rid of them. Rat cans get adjusted to smell and sound as well. They are very intelligent and can cause severe damage with a small bite too.
I hope the above article can provide a solution for you and please feel free to reach out to our workshop for any kind of issues, we will be happy to help.
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