How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Car Engine

Squirrels are cute and playful creatures, but they can be a real nuisance when they get into your car engine. They can chew on wires, build nests, and even cause fires. If you’re having trouble with squirrels in your car engine, there are a few things you can do to keep them out.

Use Mothballs

Mothballs are a great way to deter squirrels from entering your car engine. The strong smell of mothballs is unpleasant to squirrels, and it will keep them away. To use mothballs, simply place a few around the perimeter of your engine compartment. Be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Make Your Engine Uncomfortable

Another way to keep squirrels out of your car engine is to make it uncomfortable for them. Squirrels don’t like to be in tight spaces, so you can try stuffing steel wool or chicken wire into the openings around your engine. You can also try placing a piece of wood or cardboard over the engine to block their access.

Seal Up Holes

If there are any holes or gaps in your engine compartment, squirrels can use them to get inside. To prevent this, you should seal up any holes with caulk or expanding foam. You should also check your car’s weatherstripping and replace any that is damaged.

Use a Squirrel Repellent

There are a number of commercial squirrel repellents available on the market. These repellents typically contain ingredients that are unpleasant to squirrels, such as capsaicin or peppermint oil. To use a squirrel repellent, simply spray it around the perimeter of your engine compartment. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

Keep Your Car Clean

Squirrels are attracted to food, so it’s important to keep your car clean. This means removing any food scraps or debris that could attract them. You should also clean your engine compartment regularly to remove any nuts or seeds that squirrels may have stashed away.

Get Rid of Nests

If you find a squirrel nest in your car engine, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. Squirrels will continue to use the nest if it’s not removed, and they may even bring more squirrels into your car. To remove a squirrel nest, simply wear gloves and carefully remove it from the engine compartment. Be sure to dispose of the nest in a trash can that is away from your home.

Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you’re still having trouble with squirrels in your car engine, you may need to call a professional. A professional can help you identify the source of the problem and find a solution that works for you.

By following these tips, you can help keep squirrels out of your car engine and protect your vehicle from damage.