When you think of what causes substantial car damage, rodents may not be at the top of your list. But the truth of it is that rodents have become a major issue for many vehicles, causing 25% of comprehensive auto insurance claims in recent times. To keep your car safe from unnecessary damage, insurance filings, and costly repairs, take a look at some preventative measures and important facts.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Vehicle
- Park in well-lit, frequently used areas to discourage rodents from nesting
- Avoid parking near tall grass, woodpiles, or trash where rodents live
- Keep the vehicle clean, as food scraps and debris can attract pests
- Seal gaps in garages to prevent rodents from getting inside
- Start and drive the vehicle regularly so it doesn’t become a safe nesting spot
- Store consumables away from where you park, including pet food or bird seed.
- Keep garage areas clean and clutter-free to remove hiding spots
- Use snap traps or bait stations near parked vehicles if infestation is likely
Why is it Important to Keep Rodents Out of Your Space?
Even if you may not consider the garage or carport part of your living space, it isn’t the wilderness. Keeping your property free of pests is an important step to keep your home, vehicles, and household items protected.
Many people don’t notice a rodent issue in their garage until the infestation has become quite a problem. By paying close attention to the state of every room in your property, and understanding the signs of rodent activity, you can save yourself from a major headache.
Common Signs of a Rodent Issue
Don’t wait until you see a rodent scurrying away to recognize that you have an issue.
- Look for nests made of shredded paper or droppings in your garage or near your car. Droppings are often the first sign of a rodent issue, and should not be taken lightly.
- Check for chewed wiring under the hood of your car or for any electronics or cords in your garage.
- Pay attention to musky smells or sounds of scratching, these could be a sign that rodents are nearby.
Why Are Rodents Drawn to Vehicles?
The main reason rodents love to invade cars is that rats and mice are always in need of something to chew on, and cars provide lots of wiring for them to indulge in. Particularly, car manufacturers have recently been using soy-based wiring components to make the car-building process more eco-friendly. Although rodents will chew on any wires they can get their hands on, these new wires may be attracting them even more.
Additionally, cars can provide a nice form of warmth and shelter, which rodents are always looking for. If the car isn’t quite tidy, they may find themselves snacking on any food debris or garbage left behind.
Are Other Pests Drawn to Garages?
Yes, many pests are attracted to garages thanks to the dark, warm environment that isn’t frequently disturbed. It’s extremely important to keep your garage pest-free, to prevent any issues caused by the following pests:
- Cockroaches are drawn to food scraps, pet food, or improperly managed garbage cans. They can be extremely resilient, difficult to remove, and spread diseases and contaminate food everywhere they go. Keeping them around can make people nearby severely sick, so it’s best to prevent them from ever entering in the first place. Don’t leave pet food out, clean up any food spills, and keep a tidy garbage area with tightly fitted lids.
- Termites may end up in garages if they find a nice source of exposed wood, which they’ll quickly devour and turn into their home. Left unchecked, termites can chew through important structural beams and cause costly property damage for your home. Prevent moisture from building up in your garage and check the area regularly to stay on top of any potential issues.
- Spiders move into areas where smaller pests have already infested, such as ants or flies, and commonly choose garages as their resting place. Depending on the species, spiders can be potentially dangerous to humans, so it’s important to keep them away from your home. To prevent spiders from moving in, keep your space clear of the pests they need to survive.
Risks of Letting Rodents Live Nearby
Rodents are not a pest that you want to keep around, and certainly not so close to your home. Allowing rodents to stay nearby can cause a variety of issues, including:
- Disease and contamination risks: Rodents, and their droppings, are known to spread many diseases and are not a hazard to take lightly. Handling, or even breathing in the air near rodent droppings, can be dangerous. If you find droppings, spray them with disinfectant, and use paper towels and disposable gloves to remove them. Do not use a vacuum, as this can spread the contamination to the air. If found near an air duct, replace the air filter as soon as possible.
- Allergens and food contamination: Rats and mice are quick to get into any food they can find, chewing through packaging and leaving their droppings and urine behind. If you keep food in your garage, or let them sneak into your pantry, you could lose shelves of food to these pests. Additionally, rodent fur and dander can cause allergic reactions such as congestion or breathing issues for those nearby.
- Property damage: If rats are in your car or mice are near your wires, they can cause a hefty amount of property damage. Chewed vehicle wires can be costly to replace, and letting electrical wires be chewed could also start very problematic, and expensive to repair, house fires.
Reach Out Today for Professional Garage Pest Control
Whether you consider your garage a hangout spot or simply a place to store your cars, it shouldn’t be a home for rodents and pests.
Contact us today to set up your initial inspection and feel at ease with comprehensive pest control that keeps your property, from your bedroom to your cars, protected.