Have you heard scratching sounds in your car? Is there an unexplained ammonia-like smell in your vehicle? Any evidence of nesting by ‘unwelcome guests’?
Don’t (fully) panic – vermin getting into your car isn’t rampant, but it does happen!
Top pest control provider, Rentokil, are warning vehicle owners to remain alert to rodent activity in their cars. This follows an internal survey of frontline pest technicians, which revealed that rats and mice are regularly being found inside cars, vans and trucks across Ireland. Sometimes, they’ll remain ‘resident’ for several weeks, or even months.
In the survey, 84% of the frontline pest control technicians contacted reported finding rats in a vehicle; 57% had encountered mice. Over half (57%) said they had dealt with such a pest issue within the past month alone.
Cars were the most commonly affected vehicle type, followed by vans and trucks.
Rodents are attracted to vehicles for warmth, shelter and protection, particularly during colder and wetter weather. Engine bays and hidden compartments in vehicles make ideal harbourage and nesting spots. Once inside, rodents can gnaw through wiring, insulation, seatbelts and pipework, potentially leading to breakdowns, costly repairs and even a fire risk.
Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil, said: “We’re seeing more and more cases of rats infesting vehicles, and with colder weather, the risk increases significantly. Rats are exceptionally agile creatures and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, entering through grilles, vents, or even an open car window. They also have neophobic tendencies, meaning they’re wary of new objects, so a vehicle that’s been parked in the same place for a long time can actually become more appealing to them, because it feels like a stable and undisturbed environment”.
Rentokil advises that drivers should check their vehicle regularly – including under the bonnet – for signs of droppings, gnaw marks or unusual smells.
People are also advised to remove food or rubbish from inside their vehicle, which will make it less attractive to rodents. Avoid parking near bins, compost heaps or overgrown vegetation. Even moving your parked vehicle occasionally may disrupt any nesting attempts.
Windows should be fully closed when parked. It is also advised to remove child seats, and vacuum thoroughly underneath them to remove any crumbs and compacted food morsels.
