How To Prevent Rodents From Invading Your Car

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

I had a rodent problem last winter - tried copper mesh, peppermint, flashing thing. Killing them wasn't working for me with traps. Thought I'd have to move, then spring came and big Yellow Rat Snake moved to my yarden. Rodents history. Works for me. She can even have an egg or two now and then. (She likes to curl up in the nest next to the backdoor to say "hi" about once a week). Excellent tip on the tape!

[@BruceParks]

Hmm, a yellow rat snake, hadn't thought of that. Interesting idea!

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

@@BruceParks Except they sleep in the winter. :) Maybe a fake one that moved randomly, like a motion like does.

[@jjuntunen1]

Bruce, had problems with my 2004 Sienna when I owned it getting acorns /**&^& nests in my cabin filter. It wasn't till I started my Sienna Fun Van build 2011 AWD, adding a 3.5 inch lift kit that i noticed a major problem. The cover under the wipers has a 3"x6" hole leading to the cabin Filter.(just right of the left strut.) tried to send a photo but wouldn't take. Thank you for all you have sharing. Northern Ca

[@BruceParks]

Yeah, I think that big hole to the cabin filter would look mighty inviting to an industrious little critter. I've been lucky so far as they haven't found it yet.

[@jea7602]

We own a 2003 Mercedes Sprinter and had some critter problems in engine. We tried the brand name BOUNCE dryer sheets and haven’t had any issues for last 3yrs

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to give it a try.

[@kathleendittmer2447]

Great video, Bruce! Made me realize I need to check my minivan several weeks before day of departure. It's not my daily driver, sits under trees, and critters abound. Thanks for products and approaches I never heard of. Worth the time and effort.

[@BruceParks]

Yes, excellent strategy, making sure everything is good to go well in advance of your departure date. I learned the hard way last fall.

[@mymy3172]

Had the same problem with mice. They didn't chew the wires though but built a huge nest from fiber pieces from the back and did their business on top of the block. Peppermint spray seemed to work. I sure like what you have done. Such ingenuity .

[@BruceParks]

Such persistent creatures. I sure hope the peppermint oil makes a difference.

[@dougmary]

I couldn't possibly have anything like that going on in my Sienna, It's almost always inside the garage. Hmmmm, better check..... Yikes! Looks like a mouse mobile home! Thanks, Bruce! I found it before any wiring was destroyed. Great channel!

[@BruceParks]

Critters can build a nest pretty quickly. Glad you found out before damage was done.

[@toronado455]

thanks for the tip on the Honda tape!

[@BruceParks]

You bet!

[@rolliebca]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with these little critters. Will keep my eyes open for the updates.

[@BruceParks]

You bet!

[@livingitup9647]

Thanks, Bruce! You provided much great info, that could take untold hours for the average person to gather! Esp. great tip about the Toyota wiring having a soy-based ingredient that attracts rodents [I have a Toyota], and showing us the special Honda tape to wrap them with. Invaluable! I'm planning to share this video with others, as well. Deep appreciation to you. 👍😊

[@BruceParks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lumberjackdreamer6267]

I like using hardware cloth (it’s like chicken wire but stronger and with a smaller grid). On the engine air intake. And inside the cowl, underneath the windshield wipers, where the cabin air intake is located.

[@isabelmendi3973]

Hi Bruce, thank for the info, I was told that putting moth balls around the car is another option. I like the tape from Honda

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the mothball tip, Isabel!

[@pashay4723]

As always, i enjoy your high quality videos! Have u considered installing a remote start and making it a habit to start up the minivan for a few minutes every couple of days or so? I’m thinking of doing this and thinking it might dissuade animals from settling in. Haven’t had critter problems in my van (yet?) but once found a mouse nest in my trucks air intake

[@BruceParks]

Hi Peter - lately I've been starting the van up more frequently and even driving it occasionally. It's good for the van. Bad for the critters.

[@kandiblick3822]

Sir, any update as to efficacy of the Honda tape? GREAT info...many thanks!!!

[@BruceParks]

I’m happy to report there’s been no further chewing of the wires since I wrapped them with the Honda tape. It’s expensive tape but it helps prevent even more expensive problems. I’m still getting critters crawling around the engine compartment but the tape is doing it’s job protecting the wiring.

[@magankustera7668]

Thanks for this video! Does the tape still currently work? if so, how long have you had it on for? I want to figure out if you have to reapply the tape after a certain period of time. Its hard to find any information about the longevity of this tape. Thank you!

[@BruceParks]

The tape lasts forever. It's basically the same as normal electrical tape but with the hot spice added into the chemistry so it can't wear off. Since adding all the rodent deterrents, I've still had some problems with them trying to nest in a few spots but I haven't had any of the wiring chewed on, including where the Honda tape was applied.

[@magankustera7668]

@@BruceParks thank you for the response, Its great to hear the wires haven't been chewed causing costly repairs. That was my main concern about the tape.

[@ET_Videos]

Good find with the Honda tape!!

[@BruceParks]

Yeah, I think Honda figured they'd sell a lot of tape to Toyota owners.

[@711strong6]

Awesome

[@LaureReminick]

Excellent info on the Honda tape. We live in the country, with a plethora of critters. Thank you! Otherwise, what if you take off that plastic top when you're not using the car? So it's not aware little hidden hole

[@BruceParks]

Yes, actually you don't really need to keep the plastic engine cover in place at all. It's just for appearance when you pop the hood in the dealer showroom, lol.

[@richk2452]

If I remember correctly, I believe a number of years ago ( I need to double-check on this) I found out about a spray to put on wires that critters don't like, which would be easier, quicker, and provide more coverage than tape. The thing that I need to check into, though, is if the engine heat might dissipate the effectiveness over time, and if so, how often might a re-spray might be needed.

[@BruceParks]

Hi Rich, do you have any more info on the spray? Sounds like another good weapon for the critter war.

[@richk2452]

@@BruceParks Hi Bruce- I thought silicone spray was a good one but I just looked it up and it wasn't mentioned. I did see a mix of peppermint oil and cayenne pepper.

[@serenakoleno9338]

Maybe take it out every week. To shop on Saturday or church on Sunday, etc. Some routine you do weekly so you don't forget. Or midweek date night, Taco Tuesday?

[@BruceParks]

Ha, all excellent suggestions!

[@owenparker6651]

Photo & motion sensitive LED bright lights. Get little bright LED lights that turn on with motion, only at night. This will solve your issues. Under the hood should be all you need. Critters will not stick around bright light at night... Good luck!! I really like that 'distasteful' tape idea. I'm getting some of that as well...

[@BruceParks]

I'll have to look into motion LEDs for underhood. I could even go with ones that plug into 120v since this is only a problem at home. Thanks for the idea.

[@susanhawkes2519]

What if you left the engine cover off?

[@BruceParks]

That would help a bit. I’ve found they still crawl around and rip out underhood insulation to use for nesting material elsewhere.

[@GilbertNichols]

It seems that the Honda tape would be a good solution for internet providers servicing homes susceptible to critters.

[@steveprice7259]

Thanks again Bruce for all the useful tips , check out Steve on the island 2020 Sienna build u-tube video, we did a modified version of your build, we give you credit on the tape for the great Ideas you have shared !!

[@BruceParks]

Beautiful work, you guys should be proud. Yeah, I can see a lot of my influences all over the build (not sure who “Ray” Parks is though 😁). I see you narrowed up the rear panel like mine - are you planning upper cabinets? That’s the only reason I narrowed mine. I’ve been busy lately working on a lot changes and upgrades. Look for some videos soon. Thanks for the call out!

[@steveprice7259]

@@BruceParks Hi Bruce, apologies for the Ray tag, must be your movie star good looks ! We decided against upper cabinets to make it a bit more open, thus the tower for all the electrical/electronics/lights which worked out really well space wise. We find with the 200 amp hours lithium batteries we can run everything for about four days with no charging and Renogy DC-DC MPPT charging the house batteries while traveling you really almost never need the solar panel, but will be nice one day for an extended stay while camping, nice to have so many options. Front pullout self contained toilet is working out real well to . Hope to see you at some point if you are ever on Vancouver Island! Best, Steve

[@steveprice7259]

Forgot to mention we have space in the Thule roof carrier for two lawn chairs, 12x12 coleman out door carpet, small table, Marine BBQ, coleman stove, a tent that goes over the back door for warm nights for extra ventilation, 3 tarps and a 12” painters extension pole we use as a ridge pole for pushing the centre of the tarps up while attached to the van, pretty well everything you need

[@jackiem1093]

Where did you get the rodent dice?

[@BruceParks]

I got the Mice Dice from amazon: amzn.to/3m9QhZD

[@jerrylenhart5717]

A motion detector that sets off the sound of a rattlesnake through a small speaker might send them running!

[@BruceParks]

Ha!

[@kathleendittmer2447]

Does the tape have to be purchased from Honda? Did not see it on Amazon.

[@BruceParks]

It’s available on eBay. I provided a link in the video description.

[@mohawksteel2215]

I wonder if you sprayed your wiring and engine area with a hot sauce like Franks or other hot sauce. This would discourage pests from eating the wiring and you could say .... I put that shit on everything just like the TV ad says.

[@BruceParks]

Haha!

[@richardmccombs617]

Mice don't like lights so lots of underhood lights are good. Your problem is more problematic, they adapt so well. They ate through the side of .y barn a few times b4 I clad it with stainless . only reduction was when my pellet gun came out and the taste of the rodent cooked over fire became ok. Think the rest of pack watched and decided other places were safer.

[@BruceParks]

Ha, pellet repellent!

[@cjohnso5cjohnso]

Have you had any nests since using the dice?

[@BruceParks]

Nothing was stirring, not even a mouse. 🙂

[@SteveHazel]

my advice is get rid of any food source next to the vehicle. no more birdfeeders by my house! Also, leave the hood up so they won't feel comfy. (all the time until they're gone).

[@susanpremo8068]

Yes, no more bird feeders, bummer though.

[@a72Stang]

Keeping the hood open is the easiest solution. Mice like dark, enclosed spaces. I have a ‘72 Mustang that’s usually in storage. An open hood and trunk always works.

[@BruceParks]

I'd definitely keep the hood open if it was indoors but it sits outdoors 24/7 so I'm less comfortable with it open to the weather.

[@susanpremo8068]

@@BruceParks are you also in drought condition? It seems the whole country is, we were camping up in Ely, Minnesota , it's so bad, the superior national forest is burning up. Anyway, the mice got under the hood and inside of our glove box! All they seemed to want was a bit of toilet paper, nesting material I suppose. Darn creatures.

[@BruceParks]

@@susanpremo8068 We’re in the Rochester, NY area. We’ve had a fairly wet year so far. Very green and lush. I think the rodents are happy.

[@susanpremo8068]

Sorry you had so much trouble with those critters, we have loads of mice, so like someone else said, no more bird feeders for us too.

[@MySonsMother]

I never thought about that I was planning to take my birdfeeders with me on the road. Guess I won’t now.

[@BruceParks]

@Susan Premo We're basically surrounded by squirrel food, aka oaks, walnuts, pines (they eat pinecones like we eat corn on the cob), etc. Not much I'm going to be able to do about them, thus the need for countermeasures. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@susanpremo8068]

@@BruceParks we have a huge walnut tree as well. I know what you mean by the pine cones, when we were camping last fall, the beautiful white pines cones were dripping with sap, really pretty until you realize it doesn't come off of a car. But the red squirrels were eating them, I'd like to know why and how they can, I mean that's a lot of sap!

[@greggorystevens2637]

I can tell your downtime is productively spent.

[@BruceParks]

I try 🙂

[@juliannetaylor9989]

Squirrels=rascally rascals!

[@BruceParks]

Elmer Fudd taught me they were wascally wascals 😁

[@chatgris6301]

Rodents were chewing wire insulation long before soybean oil was used. Don't think you are safe just because your wires don't contain soy oil. Soybean oil and other vegetable oils are used as a plasticizer.

[@toronado455]

best prevention is to keep the hood open! (and leave that engine cover off)

[@BruceParks]

That would definitely prevent nesting!

[@noway57]

Mothballs