## How to Keep Squirrels Out of Car Engine
Squirrels are curious creatures that can wreak havoc on your car engine if they get inside. They can chew on wires, nuts, and belts, which can cause serious damage. In some cases, squirrels can even start a fire in your engine.
There are a few things you can do to keep squirrels out of your car engine:
* **Close all holes and cracks in your engine compartment.** This will make it difficult for squirrels to get inside. You can use caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool to fill in any gaps.
* **Install a squirrel baffle on your air intake.** This will prevent squirrels from entering your engine through the air intake. You can purchase a squirrel baffle at most hardware stores.
* **Keep your car clean.** Squirrels are attracted to food and debris, so keeping your car clean will make it less appealing to them.
* **Use a deterrent spray.** There are a number of commercial squirrel deterrents available that you can spray around your engine compartment. These deterrents typically contain ingredients that squirrels find unpleasant, such as capsaicin or peppermint oil.
* **Place a decoy near your car.** Squirrels are territorial animals, so placing a decoy near your car can help to deter them from entering your engine compartment. You can use a stuffed animal, a plastic owl, or even a fake snake.
If you find that squirrels are still getting into your car engine, you may need to take more drastic measures. You can hire a professional to trap and remove the squirrels, or you can install a motion-activated sprinkler system.
## Additional Tips
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to help keep squirrels out of your car engine:
* **Park your car in a garage if possible.** This will provide a physical barrier between your car and squirrels.
* **Avoid leaving food or trash in your car.** This will make your car less attractive to squirrels.
* **Be aware of the signs that squirrels are present.** If you see squirrels running around your car or if you hear them scratching in your engine compartment, take steps to deter them.
* **Don’t try to trap or remove squirrels yourself.** Squirrels can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave this task to a professional.
## Conclusion
Keeping squirrels out of your car engine is important to protect your vehicle from damage. By following the tips above, you can help to keep squirrels out of your engine and keep your car running smoothly.
## What to Do If You Find a Squirrel in Your Car Engine
If you find a squirrel in your car engine, the best thing to do is to call a professional. Squirrels can be dangerous, so it’s important to let a trained professional handle the situation.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to keep the squirrel from causing further damage:
* **Turn off your car.** This will prevent the squirrel from getting injured if the engine starts.
* **Open the hood of your car.** This will give the squirrel a chance to escape.
* **If the squirrel doesn’t leave on its own, you can try to gently coax it out with a broom or a stick.** Be careful not to hurt the squirrel.
* **Once the squirrel is out of your engine, you can take steps to prevent it from getting back in.** See the tips above for more information.
