Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 4/15/2006

Question
Hello

I do not use my vehicle everyday so I thought I'd aske you the following - maybe you will have an advice for me -

I just found out that I have pack rats under my dashboard and inside the air filter housing - they collected my dog food - a lot of it into there and I could see their hair too inthe air filter.  Luckyly, seems like they did not chew on any wires yet.   I immediately put the dogs food away, closed it in a metal shelf.  But still, I am concern.   My mechanic said that I should leave my hood half open so it won't feel like a cozy little hideaway.   What do you think please and do you have any advices?

Thank you,   Gabe  

Answer
Keeping the hood partially up in an interesting plan but my concern would be whether or not other animals, like birds might find the openning attractive.

Here is some information that can help you.  Also would love any pictures of the nesting etc.  send them to svantassel2@unl.edu

Protecting vehicles from Wildlife damage


Protecting vehicles from wildlife damage requires a three pronged approach. Although employing all three prongs is ideal, it isn't always practical. However, implementation of as many of the concepts as possible will increase the protection.

Normally, rodents such as mice and rats are responsible for damaging vehicles. They can get up into the engine area, chew things and build nests. Rabbits, squirrels and even turkeys can also damage vehicles. Rabbits and squirrel damage will be similar to rodent damage but turkeys damage cars by pecking at the paint.

Since most damage is caused by rodents we will discuss solutions for those.

Prong 1. Habitat modification.   

If rodents can live in the area, they can't be around to damage your car.  Remove or modify bird feeders, cut grass low, remove debris and anything where mice/rats can hide.   Make sure water sources are also eliminated as much as possible.
Nature believes in supply-side economics, which teaches, where there is a supply there will be a demand to meet it. So if you have food around, the population of critters will rise until the food is consumed.

Prong 2. Prevent Access.   

Place your vehicle inside a secure facility, like a garage. Make sure you have tightened it up so that mice and rats can't enter. This requires that gaps ¼” or larger be filled. Doors should seal securely, and attic vents should be screened with  ¼” hardware cloth.  Since mice are harder to keep out than rats, information on mouse control can be found at http://icwdm.org/wildlife/housemouse.asp

Prong 3. Population reduction.

Rodent populations can be managed with traps and toxicants. Understand that the war on rodents will NEVER end. Don't be misled that if you trap for a while you will never have to trap again.  Just as grass grows back after you mow, so rodent populations bounce back after control. This is especially true if you don't employ habitat modification.   Be sure to follow all laws and regulations when trapping and using toxicants. For non-state specific information on control you can visit http://icwdm.org/wildlife/housemouse.asp for house mice   or http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/Woodrats.asp for woodrats/packrats.  This can be a starting link for you to the rest of the site.

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.