How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Car Engine
Squirrels are cute and furry, but they can be a real nuisance when they get into your car engine. They can chew on wires, damage hoses, and even cause your car to overheat. If you’re having problems with squirrels in your car engine, there are a few things you can do to keep them out.
1. Keep Your Car Clean
One of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your car engine is to keep it clean. Food and other debris can attract squirrels, so it’s important to clean your car regularly, both inside and out. Be sure to vacuum up any crumbs or spills, and wipe down any surfaces that might have food residue on them.
2. Seal Up Any Holes
Squirrels can squeeze through very small holes, so it’s important to seal up any holes in your car’s exterior. This includes holes in the body panels, the firewall, and the undercarriage. You can use caulk, expanding foam, or steel wool to seal up holes.
3. Use a Squirrel Repellent
There are a number of commercial squirrel repellents available, and some of them can be effective at keeping squirrels out of your car engine. These repellents typically contain ingredients that squirrels find unpleasant, such as cayenne pepper, peppermint oil, or ammonia. When applied to the exterior of your car, these repellents can create a barrier that squirrels will avoid.
4. Park Your Car in a Garage
If you have a garage, parking your car inside is the best way to keep squirrels out of the engine. Squirrels are less likely to enter a garage because it’s a closed space, and they’re also less likely to be able to find food inside a garage.
5. Use a Car Cover
If you don’t have a garage, using a car cover can help to keep squirrels out of your car engine. A car cover will create a physical barrier between your car and the outside world, making it less likely that squirrels will be able to get into the engine.
6. Make Noise
Squirrels are afraid of loud noises, so one way to keep them out of your car engine is to make noise. You can do this by playing music in your car, honking the horn, or banging on the hood.
7. Get a Cat
Cats are natural predators of squirrels, so having a cat around can help to keep squirrels away from your car. If you have a cat, let it out in the yard or garage when you’re not driving, and it will likely chase away any squirrels that come near your car.
By following these tips, you can help to keep squirrels out of your car engine and avoid the damage that they can cause.
