Rodent damage to car!

[Scott]

Last week my vehicle began faulting several systems and went into "limp mode." Barely usable!

Long story short, diagnostics did not locate the problem, nothing obvious in the engine bay. Problem eventually traced to rodent damage with wiring in obscure locations. The fix is very $$$ and I've had problems before with other vehicles at other locations.

Any ideas to prevent rodents from entering vehicles? I've read the wire insulation is a soybean product to aid with end-of-life recycling and this attracts rodents! Some claim proprietary sprays help, others believe moth balls and peppermint oil is a prevention. Car is parked outside due to flight cages in garage!

Help, please with ideas!!!

 

[clark_conure]

have you tried peaceful negotiations with the rodents? (wow I got a lot of mileage out of the same joke!)

 

[Terry57]

Scott, that is terrible! I found this link with some suggestions, not sure if they will work but may be worth a try?
https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/Getting-Rid-of-Rats-or-Mice-in-Your-Vehicle-Reader-Suggestions

 

[Kiwibird]

That sucks Scott. Not sure what can be done to keep them out of the engine, but is there any kind of infestation around your house you need to address? My parents had an issue with kangaroo rats that were nesting around the house/in the yard and on a few occasions, they even crawled up in one of the cars and died (OMG the stench!). On chilly nights, they are apparently attracted to the warmth of an engine. Once they cleared the infestation, no more got into the cars. My parents used humane live traps and released the captured rats miles up in the woods where they could live in peace and not bother humans. It took a few months to get them all (I think they caught around 30 of them plus a few rock squirrels by accident!), but it was so much kinder than killing them or using poisons that could affect other non-bothersome wildlife. I might look for places rodents might be nesting and set up some live traps around and see what you catch.

 

[LordTriggs]

any idea what kind of rodent in particular?

Maybe stick a couple bug traps in the engine bay and spray the engine bay with a bug killer, maybe even a bleach based spray too? Maybe even drop a bug bomb in the engine bay when the car isn't being used for a couple days.

I adopt the opposite response to Clark on bugs, preferring "nuke the site from orbit" over peace negotiations!

 

[SailBoat]

There is a very long history of rodents eating the wiring of Vehicles, likely beginning with the very first motorized vehicles.

- The best solution is on-going use of the vehicle! For whatever reason, rodents are more attracted to vehicles that are not regularly used.

- Large populations of rodents place heavy pressure on food resources and major effects at reducing the population will reduce they're need to include your wiring as part of they menu.

- Outdoor rodent problems are far less common than when vehicles are stored indoors. Since, common food sources are more available outside than when a rodent becomes trapped indoors (garage door is closed). This supports the issue listed above.

- Interior: Scent is an important tool in reducing a rodents interest in your vehicle's wiring! Whether it is a proprietary spray(s) or other natural aromas that hide, mask, or cause the rodent to avoid contact - they are all worth using!
* Locate the Aroma Tool within the vehicle interior. Use the 'map' holders in the door cards, cup holders that are not normally used, glove box, etc... As many location as possible! Use a scent that you like for the interior and trunk of the vehicle! I use peppermint oil on a hand cloth for interior use, including the trunk. I use it in my 1990 MB-300 CE (Stored Inside), a true road vehicle that is not well suited for Winter travel!
* Locate the Aroma Tool outside of the Vehicle (under body and engine bay). Aside from the under dashboard where the computers are placed, the engine bay area is the most sensitive area since highly important wires connect to engine and safety system monitoring devices that are extremely important to your safety and the operation of the vehicle. Modern Vehicle designers have come to believe that hiding the engine and its wiring will keep the owner from playing in this area. The sad truth is that the coverings make it easier for the rodents to hide, nest and eat wires that are also under those covers. The engine compartment and under body areas are best suited for the proprietary sprays, since safe areas to place molt balls, etc... are limited.
It is very important to keep in mind that areas within the engine bay and under body become very hot and spraying on those surfaces or placing other Aroma Tools on or near could resolute in the total lose of the vehicle (fire).
Unlike the interior areas, in which, they only need to be switched-out when you can no longer smell them. The engine bay and under body need to be applied or switched out monthly, since the areas are not enclosed and the aroma quickly fails.
Luckily, there are lots of areas that do not become hot in either area and those areas can be treated and /or switched out without coming in contact with the hot areas.
The engine bay is fairly straight forward - Do not apply or place on the engine! Areas that you can apply or place: The fire wall (that structure between the engine bay and the interior) above the engine. Fender (wheel) well covers on either side of the engine. Take care not to apply or place on electrical connections and boxes, but near them! Same as the electrical cables you will see in the engine bay and those near the battery.
The under body is a very difficult area to get too important areas, with the exceptions of most Trucks and some SUV's, cars are very low to the ground. The vehicle including Trucks and SUV's require that they are up on a lift to see the wire runs and connection points under the vehicle. Surprisingly, once you get further under the vehicle these areas can be sprayed less often since there are less wires and connections and they are more difficult for rodents to get too!

Hope this is of some help!

 

[wrench13]

Scott, tell me that this was not a BMW? The Z3 forum I am on has a constant string

 

[Birdman666]

It's in Toyotas Hondas and Mazdas too...

https://www.howtopreventratsfromeatingcarwires.com/2017/02/10/does-your-car-have-soy-based-wiring/

It's a real problem because rodents, and squirrels have all been eating the stuff.

 

[Kiwibird]

It's in Toyotas Hondas and Mazdas too...

https://www.howtopreventratsfromeatingcarwires.com/2017/02/10/does-your-car-have-soy-based-wiring/

It's a real problem because rodents, and squirrels have all been eating the stuff.

People keep asking me when I'm planning on replacing my car with something newer and "better". I tell them I'll rebuild the engine before I replace the car. Apparently to add to my list of "pros" is it doesn't attract the wildlife to eat it's wiring!

 

[Scott]

That sucks Scott. Not sure what can be done to keep them out of the engine, but is there any kind of infestation around your house you need to address? My parents had an issue with kangaroo rats that were nesting around the house/in the yard and on a few occasions, they even crawled up in one of the cars and died (OMG the stench!). On chilly nights, they are apparently attracted to the warmth of an engine. Once they cleared the infestation, no more got into the cars. My parents used humane live traps and released the captured rats miles up in the woods where they could live in peace and not bother humans. It took a few months to get them all (I think they caught around 30 of them plus a few rock squirrels by accident!), but it was so much kinder than killing them or using poisons that could affect other non-bothersome wildlife. I might look for places rodents might be nesting and set up some live traps around and see what you catch.

It's in Toyotas Hondas and Mazdas too...

https://www.howtopreventratsfromeatingcarwires.com/2017/02/10/does-your-car-have-soy-based-wiring/

It's a real problem because rodents, and squirrels have all been eating the stuff.

People keep asking me when I'm planning on replacing my car with something newer and "better". I tell them I'll rebuild the engine before I replace the car. Apparently to add to my list of "pros" is it doesn't attract the wildlife to eat it's wiring!

Thanks April. Whatever I do will *not* involve poisons. Years ago I was speaking with a neighbor and we both noticed a owl moving around the ground during the day. I had to leave shortly afterward; next day he told me the owl passed away and had blood running from the mouth and vent. Almost certainly the result of consuming rodents tainted with a warfarin-based poison.

Seems newer vehicles have the soybean-based insulation.

 

[Scott]

Scott, that is terrible! I found this link with some suggestions, not sure if they will work but may be worth a try?
https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/Getting-Rid-of-Rats-or-Mice-in-Your-Vehicle-Reader-Suggestions

Great link, Terry! Seems an attack on several fronts is best! Will try some of the ideas.

 

[Scott]

any idea what kind of rodent in particular?

Maybe stick a couple bug traps in the engine bay and spray the engine bay with a bug killer, maybe even a bleach based spray too? Maybe even drop a bug bomb in the engine bay when the car isn't being used for a couple days.

I adopt the opposite response to Clark on bugs, preferring "nuke the site from orbit" over peace negotiations!

Rats. Big rats! Rats that are about 10 inches including tail! Our area has Norway Rats and field mice.

 

[Scott]

There is a very long history of rodents eating the wiring of Vehicles, likely beginning with the very first motorized vehicles.

- The best solution is on-going use of the vehicle! For whatever reason, rodents are more attracted to vehicles that are not regularly used.

- Large populations of rodents place heavy pressure on food resources and major effects at reducing the population will reduce they're need to include your wiring as part of they menu.

- Outdoor rodent problems are far less common than when vehicles are stored indoors. Since, common food sources are more available outside than when a rodent becomes trapped indoors (garage door is closed). This supports the issue listed above.

- Interior: Scent is an important tool in reducing a rodents interest in your vehicle's wiring! Whether it is a proprietary spray(s) or other natural aromas that hide, mask, or cause the rodent to avoid contact - they are all worth using!
* Locate the Aroma Tool within the vehicle interior. Use the 'map' holders in the door cards, cup holders that are not normally used, glove box, etc... As many location as possible! Use a scent that you like for the interior and trunk of the vehicle! I use peppermint oil on a hand cloth for interior use, including the trunk. I use it in my 1990 MB-300 CE (Stored Inside), a true road vehicle that is not well suited for Winter travel!
* Locate the Aroma Tool outside of the Vehicle (under body and engine bay). Aside from the under dashboard where the computers are placed, the engine bay area is the most sensitive area since highly important wires connect to engine and safety system monitoring devices that are extremely important to your safety and the operation of the vehicle. Modern Vehicle designers have come to believe that hiding the engine and its wiring will keep the owner from playing in this area. The sad truth is that the coverings make it easier for the rodents to hide, nest and eat wires that are also under those covers. The engine compartment and under body areas are best suited for the proprietary sprays, since safe areas to place molt balls, etc... are limited.
It is very important to keep in mind that areas within the engine bay and under body become very hot and spraying on those surfaces or placing other Aroma Tools on or near could resolute in the total lose of the vehicle (fire).
Unlike the interior areas, in which, they only need to be switched-out when you can no longer smell them. The engine bay and under body need to be applied or switched out monthly, since the areas are not enclosed and the aroma quickly fails.
Luckily, there are lots of areas that do not become hot in either area and those areas can be treated and /or switched out without coming in contact with the hot areas.
The engine bay is fairly straight forward - Do not apply or place on the engine! Areas that you can apply or place: The fire wall (that structure between the engine bay and the interior) above the engine. Fender (wheel) well covers on either side of the engine. Take care not to apply or place on electrical connections and boxes, but near them! Same as the electrical cables you will see in the engine bay and those near the battery.
The under body is a very difficult area to get too important areas, with the exceptions of most Trucks and some SUV's, cars are very low to the ground. The vehicle including Trucks and SUV's require that they are up on a lift to see the wire runs and connection points under the vehicle. Surprisingly, once you get further under the vehicle these areas can be sprayed less often since there are less wires and connections and they are more difficult for rodents to get too!

Hope this is of some help!

Great advice, will try some of the ideas!

 

[Scott]

Scott, tell me that this was not a BMW? The Z3 forum I am on has a constant string

Yup, BMW 328i. While I saw some tokens in the engine compartment, the current damage was inside front left bumper cover and front left fwd fender panel. Very difficult access.

 

[Scott]

It's in Toyotas Hondas and Mazdas too...

https://www.howtopreventratsfromeatingcarwires.com/2017/02/10/does-your-car-have-soy-based-wiring/

It's a real problem because rodents, and squirrels have all been eating the stuff.

Excellent link! Thanks Mark!!

 

[plumsmum2005]

Simples! Clear in the garage and put the car away! Oh perhaps buy a shed or one of those plastic garden storage locker things gotta be a cheaper option Scott? Put mice traps in the garage also. Get a hungry outside cat!

Go looking for any signs of nest sites out and about * and deal with those to reduce/eliminate the population anyway, a nuisance is one thing an epidemic is going to cause more problems. I guess it wont be just you so go speak to neighbours and see what you can find out then maybe you can deal with it as a collective. Make sure that nobody is doing something daft to encourage them?

* did your landscape gardeners see/disturb anything?

 

[Kiwibird]

Thanks April. Whatever I do will *not* involve poisons. Years ago I was speaking with a neighbor and we both noticed a owl moving around the ground during the day. I had to leave shortly afterward; next day he told me the owl passed away and had blood running from the mouth and vent. Almost certainly the result of consuming rodents tainted with a warfarin-based poison.

Seems newer vehicles have the soybean-based insulation.

People never think about how poison will affect other animals who like to eat rodents or bugs. Also seems there might be some legitimate class action lawsuits coming down the pipe for the auto industry over this. I applaud their efforts at looking into new, more eco-conscious ways to build cars but yet again they've jumped the gun on implementing new green technology on a large scale without adequate long term testing.

If you're interested, these traps are very effective, humane and last forever. I think this would be the right size for large rats:
https://www.amazon.com/Havahart-102...&qid=1508328650&sr=8-6&keywords=live+trap+rat

If you live trap, mark the rats belly with a sharpie through the bottom and that way you can tell if they're returning. If they're returning, they need to be released farther away

 

[Scott]

Simples! Clear the in the garage and put the car away! Oh perhaps buy a shed or one of those plastic garden storage locker things gotta be a cheaper option Scott? Put mice traps in the garage also. Get a hungry outside cat!

Go looking for any signs of nest sites out and about * and deal with those to reduce/eliminate the population anyway, a nuisance is one thing an epidemic is going to cause more problems. I guess it wont be just you so go speak to neighbours and see what you can find out then maybe you can deal with it as a collective. Make sure that nobody is doing something daft to encourage them?

* did your landscape gardeners see/disturb anything?

I'd love to use the garage as intended, but the thought of getting rid of flight cages gives me pause. I really could put them in my backyard from the climate POV, but the noise of two shrieking cockatoos would get me in very deep trouble!!

No messy shrubbery near the driveway, but the general area is inundated with rats. My yearly property tax bill includes about $7/£5.31 bill for "vector control." The city will come out, assess, and place industrial type "rat traps" that are loaded with poison. Also don't want them to hear my birds if they happen to scream!

Going to try some humane traps and commercial sprays for the car.

 

[Scott]

Thanks April. Whatever I do will *not* involve poisons. Years ago I was speaking with a neighbor and we both noticed a owl moving around the ground during the day. I had to leave shortly afterward; next day he told me the owl passed away and had blood running from the mouth and vent. Almost certainly the result of consuming rodents tainted with a warfarin-based poison.

Seems newer vehicles have the soybean-based insulation.

People never think about how poison will affect other animals who like to eat rodents or bugs. Also seems there might be some legitimate class action lawsuits coming down the pipe for the auto industry over this. I applaud their efforts at looking into new, more eco-conscious ways to build cars but yet again they've jumped the gun on implementing new green technology on a large scale without adequate long term testing.

If you're interested, these traps are very effective, humane and last forever. I think this would be the right size for large rats:
https://www.amazon.com/Havahart-102...&qid=1508328650&sr=8-6&keywords=live+trap+rat

If you live trap, mark the rats belly with a sharpie through the bottom and that way you can tell if they're returning. If they're returning, they need to be released farther away

There are indeed several class-action suits, though none AFAIK against my brand.

Will get some humane traps. I live about 3/4 mile from a dry river bed that extends many miles; will be easy to relocate them to more ancestral lands! Sharpie mark is a great idea!

 

[WakaWaka]

Scott,
Have you looked into some of the electronic pest repelling devices. I remember seeing them advertised a while back (something like "As Seen on TV").
I'm not sure if they are even effective, but if the ultrasonic sound does not bother your birds, it may be a non poison alternative. Just give them a headache when they get near your car and hopefully they stay away.

Thanks
Kelly, Karl, and Arika