How to Keep Rats and Squirrels Out of Car Engine

Prevention

The best way to keep rats and squirrels out of your car engine is to prevent them from getting in the first place. Here are some tips:

Keep your car clean. Rats and squirrels are attracted to food and garbage, so make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs in your car.
Store food in sealed containers. Don’t leave any food out in the open, as this will attract rodents.
Seal up any holes or cracks in your car. Rats and squirrels can squeeze through very small openings, so it’s important to seal up any holes or cracks that they could use to get into your car.
Park your car in a garage or covered area. If you can’t park your car in a garage, try to park it in a well-lit area where rodents are less likely to be active.

Deterrents

If you’ve already had problems with rats or squirrels getting into your car engine, you can use deterrents to keep them away. Here are some options:

Mothballs. Mothballs are a natural deterrent for rats and squirrels. Place a few mothballs in a mesh bag and hang it under the hood of your car.
Ammonia. Rats and squirrels hate the smell of ammonia. Soak a few cotton balls in ammonia and place them under the hood of your car.
Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is another natural deterrent for rats and squirrels. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a cotton ball and place it under the hood of your car.
Ultrasonic devices. Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched sounds that are inaudible to humans but are very annoying to rodents. You can find ultrasonic devices at most hardware stores.

Trapping

If all else fails, you can trap rats and squirrels and remove them from your property. Here are some tips:

Use a live trap. Live traps are more humane than snap traps, and they allow you to release the rodents once you’ve caught them.
Bait the trap with something that the rodents will find appealing, such as peanut butter or cheese.
Place the trap in an area where you’ve seen rodents activity, such as under the hood of your car or in the attic.
Check the trap regularly and release any rodents that you catch.

Professional Help

If you’re having trouble keeping rats and squirrels out of your car engine, you may need to call in a professional. Pest control companies can help you identify the source of the problem and develop a plan to eliminate the rodents.

Conclusion

Rats and squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are steps you can take to keep them out of your car engine. By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent damage to your car and keep your engine running smoothly.