## How to Keep Pack Rats Out of Your Car Engine
Pack rats are notorious for getting into car engines and causing damage. They’re attracted to the warmth and shelter that engines provide, and they can quickly build nests out of any materials they can find, including chewed-up wires, insulation, and even food wrappers.
If you’ve ever had a pack rat problem, you know how frustrating and expensive it can be. But there are some things you can do to keep pack rats out of your car engine and prevent them from causing damage.
### Seal Up Entry Points
The first step in keeping pack rats out of your car engine is to seal up any entry points. This includes any holes or cracks in the firewall, hood, or undercarriage. You can use caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool to fill in any gaps.
### Remove Food Sources
Pack rats are attracted to food, so it’s important to remove any potential food sources from your car. This includes food wrappers, crumbs, and even pet food. If you must leave food in your car, be sure to store it in a sealed container.
### Set Traps
If you’re having a problem with pack rats, you can set traps to catch them. There are a variety of traps available, including live traps and kill traps. If you choose to use a live trap, be sure to release the rat far away from your home.
### Use Repellents
There are a number of repellents that you can use to keep pack rats away from your car engine. These repellents typically contain ingredients that are unpleasant to rats, such as peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, or cayenne pepper. You can spray repellents around the perimeter of your car or directly into the engine compartment.
### Keep Your Car Clean
A clean car is less likely to attract pack rats than a dirty car. Be sure to wash your car regularly and vacuum the interior. This will remove any food or debris that could attract rats.
### Keep Your Yard Clean
Pack rats are also attracted to cluttered yards. If you have a lot of debris or overgrown vegetation in your yard, it’s more likely that you’ll have a problem with pack rats. Be sure to keep your yard clean and free of clutter.
### Conclusion
Pack rats can be a nuisance, but there are things you can do to keep them out of your car engine. By sealing up entry points, removing food sources, setting traps, using repellents, and keeping your car and yard clean, you can help to prevent pack rats from causing damage to your vehicle.
