How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Car Engine

Why Do Squirrels Get Into Car Engines?

Squirrels are attracted to car engines for a number of reasons. The warmth of the engine provides a comfortable place for them to nest, and the nuts and bolts that are often found in engine compartments can provide a source of food. Additionally, the enclosed space of an engine compartment can provide a safe place for squirrels to hide from predators.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Car Engine

There are a number of things that you can do to keep squirrels out of your car engine. Some of the most effective methods include:

1. Keep your car clean. Squirrels are attracted to food, so it is important to keep your car clean and free of any food scraps. This includes cleaning up any spills or crumbs that may have fallen on the floor of your car.
2. Remove any potential nesting materials. Squirrels will often use leaves, twigs, and other materials to build nests in car engines. To prevent this, you should remove any potential nesting materials from your engine compartment.
3. Seal up any holes or openings. Squirrels can enter your car engine through even the smallest holes or openings. To prevent this, you should seal up any holes or openings in your engine compartment.
4. Use a squirrel deterrent. There are a number of commercial squirrel deterrents available that can be used to keep squirrels away from your car engine. These products typically contain a scent that squirrels find unpleasant.
5. Park your car in a garage. If you have a garage, parking your car inside is the best way to keep squirrels out of your engine. Garages provide a safe and enclosed space that squirrels cannot access.

What to Do If a Squirrel Gets Into Your Car Engine

If a squirrel does get into your car engine, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:

1. Turn off your car. The first thing you should do is turn off your car. This will help to prevent the squirrel from being injured by the moving parts of the engine.
2. Open the hood. Once your car is turned off, open the hood and locate the squirrel. If the squirrel is visible, you can try to gently coax it out of the engine compartment.
3. Call for help. If you are unable to remove the squirrel from the engine compartment yourself, you should call for help. A mechanic can safely remove the squirrel and prevent it from causing any damage to your car.

Conclusion

Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are a number of things that you can do to keep them out of your car engine. By following the tips in this article, you can help to protect your car and keep squirrels away.