The mice infestation problem does not stop with households only; these notorious rodents can also pester your vehicles if you neglect the situation.
Mice are excellent climbers and crawlers. Inside your car, they can crawl into vents where they can die quickly and cause unpleasant smell over time.
Mice also gnaw at various wires, tubes, and other components under your car’s hood. Neglecting this issue can cause you trouble, especially with the performance of your vehicle in the future.
That’s why it is essential to prevent the problem earlier so that you won’t encounter more significant damages after that.
Many car owners often asked how to keep mice out of the car engine compartment. When you browse over the internet, you will come across different pages that offer impractical advice on how to deter rodents away from your car.
To fix the issue I will review the best rodent repellents for cars, what to consider when buying a rodent repellent, how to keep mice out of stored cars, and other mice-prevention stuff.
Below are some of my recommended repellers, but if you don’t have time to read the entire article, then I’d suggest going with Loraffe Defense Vehicle Protection (affiliate). In my experience, it’s one of the best on market.
How To Choose The Best Rodent Repellent For Cars (Buyers Guide)
Many homeowners realize that at some point, mice will search for another shelter aside from their homes. It is a rule of survival that these little mice are going to get cold; therefore, they will look for a shelter to keep them warm. That’s how they get comfort in your car.
However, not all rodent repellent will work in every situation. Some repellent will work only in the room, which is connected to a power source like electricity.
Therefore, you need to look for a rodent repeller that is designed mainly for vehicles. Well, most car rodent repellers are battery-operated. The commonly used battery is AA while some utilize the car’s battery.
Before, you consider getting a rodent repellent for your car, make sure to check the following factors to consider:
Construction
For an ideal rodent repeller, specifically for cars, you have to check the construction and the built since it needs to be fireproof and heatproof.
Therefore, you need a quality rodent repeller that has been designed from sturdy, water-resistant, and dust resistant materials.
Mostly, rodent repellents for cars are made from PC/ABS (Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) that provides excellent mechanical properties, impact, and heat resistance.
Besides, it needs to be tested for long-term use. With such a type of car rodent repeller, you can use it anywhere for all types of seasons.
Dimension
Dimension is another critical consideration you need to check out. It would be best if you looked for a rodent repeller that has a compact size, which can be installed in your car engine easily.
Most of the rodent repellents for cars measure around 5 inches in length, a width of around 4 inches, and height around 3.5 inches.
It must also be lightweight so that it won’t put much weight when you mount it on your car.
Sound and Light system
Most rodent repellers for cars utilize ultrasonic sounds and LED flashlight to deter mice and other pests, and it is necessary to look for a repeller with an enhanced sound system.
Consider a device that emits ultrasonic sound systems and powerful LED flashing that is disturbing to them but not for your pets and children.
Power source
Most repellers you can buy on the market are battery-operated and use three to four AA batteries that can last up to 45 days.
Some repellers can use the car’s battery to work with a mode standby and on, wherein the repeller will go off once the car is moving, or there’s a vibration, and then it will automatically work when the car is stopped, or the car is parked.
In addition, you also need to consider the price, power consumption, inclusion of batteries on the packaging since most rodent repellers do not include batteries.
Here Are The 6 Best Rodent Repellents For Cars
Thanos Under Hood Animal Repeller
Product Dimension: 5.1 x 3 x 1.33 inches
Power source: Battery-operated.
One of the most effective rodent repellents is through the use of ultrasonic power.
For people who want to use ultrasonic power to get rid of rodents, this animal repeller from the brand Thanos is your best option.
It is designed specifically to get rid of mice and prevent them from getting into your car. Not only equipped with an ultrasonic power, but this rodent repeller also features LED strobe lights.
What I love about this product is its portability, it can be used anywhere, well thanks to its battery-operated power source.
In fact, it can also be powered by your car’s battery, in case the battery gets low. You can use this rodent ripples in your ca’s trunk, under the hood, in your garage, or by your lawnmower.
Moreover, this Thanos rodent repellent is a humane and cruelty-free product; therefore, it means that they do not kill nor harm them.
There are no chemicals or toxic smell emitted from the product, which makes it safe to use around your pets and children.
The Thanos rodent repellent works by making sounds that are disturbing to mice that make them vacate your house, vehicles, garage, and basement. You do not need to hunt around for dead rodents before the stinky smell lingers around your house.
Of course, the sound that it produces cannot be heard or is not disturbing to humans and pets. However, if you utilize the strobe light feature, you are going to see it.
Pros:
- Portable and can be used anywhere
- 100% safe to human and pets
- Energy saving
- Ultrasound does not bother pets and humans
- Comes with a 60-day refund guarantee
Cons:
- Batteries are not included (4*AA battery)
Glaobule Under Hood Rodent Repeller
Product Dimension: 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.4 inches
Power source: Battery-operated
Another ultrasonic rodent repeller that is designed for vehicles is the Glaobule Under Hood Rodent Repellent, which you can also use anywhere in the house.
The powerful blast of ultrasonic sound is so random that mice won’t get used to the sound it gives off. It also features LED strobe light to shoo away raccoons, squirrels, and other large pests.
This humane mice repellent gives off various ultrasonic waves and powerful LED light to disrupt the quietness and darkness that rodents prefer.
Related article: Best Humane Mousetraps
Since this product is battery operated, you can use it anywhere, and just in case, electricity is not available. It uses three AA batteries that can last for more than a month running 24/7.
This battery-operated pest repeller features auto on and off mode, wherein it works when the car is stopped and no vibration.
It will automatically enter standby mode when the car is started and then resume working when the car is parked. In this way, rodents don’t have the time to get in touch with your vehicle.
Aside from mice, this ultrasonic rodent repeller can deter rabbits, martens, cats, chipmunks, squirrels, and other destructive rodents out of the coverage area. It can be placed in garages, attics, storage rooms, garages, and other places with zip ties.
On top of that, this product is cruelty-free, meaning it does not inflict harm or injury to rodents; instead, it prevents them from getting nearer into your vehicle.
It does not emit toxic smell and chemicals; therefore, it is 100% safe to use around pets and humans. The sound it produces does not cause harmful effects and is not disturbing to pets and humans.
Pros:
- It gives off random and various ultrasounds so that mice won’t get used to it
- It can be used anywhere and is portable
- It is compact
- Features on and off button with a motion sensor inside
- It can operate for 24 hours and last up to 45 days
Cons:
- Batteries are not included in the packaging (requires three AA batteries)
Loraffe Defense Vehicle Protection
Product Dimension: 4.5 x 3.5 x 3.18 inches
Power Source: Battery-operated
Another brand of battery-operated rodent repeller is Loraffe. It comes with a wireless connection that is easy to mount within any car, boat, tractor, or other vehicles without connecting to any electrical power source.
Loraffe rodent repellent is mainly designed for vehicles, but it can also be used almost everywhere, such as in the garage, basement, warehouse, barn, inside the house, and other places.
The product works by emitting a combination of fluctuating ultrasound waves and dual-LED strobe lights so that mice and other rodents will not get used to the sound; therefore, keep them away from entering your car.
In addition, the ultrasonic waves can cause intense auditory stress, while the LED strobe lights target their eyesight, creating an unfriendly environment for animals or pests to live.
Thus, it forces them to move on, escape from your automobile, and keep away from your place.
As it was mentioned, this rodent repellent is battery-operated and uses 3 AA batteries that can last up to 45 days.
What’s so good about this product is that it is energy-saving since it has an auto-standby mode, wherein it automatically stops when you start driving the car to save battery power.
If you are worried about the ultrasonic sounds and light can affect your pets and children’s health, well no worries since the product is 100% safe to use. The sound emitted is not disturbing to pets and humans.
Loraffe Rodent Repellent is non-toxic and does not give off a pungent smell to deter mice and other animals. It is easy to install and comes with a low-power warning so that you are aware of when to replace the battery.
Pros:
- It produces a combination of fluctuating ultrasound waves and dual-LED strobe lights
- It operates on 3*AA batteries and can last up to 45 days
- It has an auto-standby mode to save battery power
- It comes with wireless connection for easy mounting
- It can be used almost everywhere
Cons:
- Batteries are not included in the packaging
- A bit pricey than other car rodent repellers
Winpest Under Hood Animal Repeller
Dimension: 5.2 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches
Power Source: Battery operated, USB cable, and DC cable
If you are looking for a rodent repeller that can work on the USB cable and DC cable aside from AA batteries, this car rodent repellent from Winpest is your best option.
It can work with both 12v and 24v car batteries, and even on USB charging adapters.
Well, there’s another option if you don’t want to consume your car’s battery since this car rodent repeller can work using four pieces of AA batteries.
Just like with any other rodent repeller included in this review post, this Winpest repeller works by emitting a combination of ultrasounds and LED flashlights to prevent mice and other pesky animals from getting in your car.
It works in cycles, wherein each cycle, ultrasonic waves and LED flashlights are emitted either simultaneously or for continuous deterring mice.
It comes with low voltage protection, wherein it automatically stops working when the car’s battery voltage drops below 10.5 V to protect the vehicle battery.
In contrast, it resumes automatically when the voltage rises to 11 volts or above. It also automatically resumes work within 20 seconds after the car is parked.
This rodent repeller is mainly designed for vehicles, but it can also be used everywhere such as in your garage, attic, basement, barn, or any places where mice most likely roam around.
Furthermore, this car rodent repellent is made of PC and ABS material, which can withstand the heat in the engine and will not deteriorate right away. Rest-assured that it will not affect the functionality of your engine and other parts in your car.
Pros:
- It has three methods of power supply
- Comes with low voltage protection
- Low power consumption
- It is fireproof
- Easy to install and mount in the car engine
Cons:
- Batteries are not included in the packaging
ROSELA Rodent Repellent
Dimension: 4.9 x 2.48 x 1.17 inches
Power Source: Four AAA batteries, USB charging adapter, and car battery
Also designed for your car is Rosela. It is a combination of ultrasound and LED strobe lights, which can disrupt the hearing and nervous system of rodents. It affects their balance and loses their sense of direction; therefore, expelling all rodents from getting into your car.
It comes with three power supply modes, wherein the first mode is powered by four AAA batteries that can work for 24 hours non-stop and can last up to 45 days.
The second mode is the USB charging adapter supply with DC plug, and lastly the car battery supply that consumes 10-35 mAh.
It is also equipped with an over-voltage protection smart chip that will automatically stop once the voltage of the car’s battery hits below 10.5 volts, thus giving a stable performance and low power consumption.
This rodent repellent also comes with a vibration sensing-on-board that automatically goes off once it senses that the car is starting or moving.
On the other hand, it goes on when the car is parked. It is also heat resistant so that it can function well for long drives, especially when the car’s engine is heating up. It is also fireproof for your protection.
It is easy to install and can be suitable for various types of cars. It can also be used in the garage, basement, attic, around the house, and other areas where mice are most likely to infest.
The sound and light it emits are safe to children and humans and do not harm their sense of hearing.
Pros:
- It comes with three power supply modes
- It has an over-voltage protection smart chip for stable performance
- It is designed with a vibration sensing on-board
- Easy to install
- It comes with free mounting cables and zip ties
Cons:
- Batteries are not included in the packaging
- Monotonous sound
P3 International Under Hood Animal Repeller
Dimension: 5 x 3 x 2 inches
Power Source: Battery operated
Adding on the list is the P3 International Rodent Repeller that works using two C batteries. The unit produces powerful ultrasonic waves that are very irritating to animals.
It emits random bursts of this high-frequency ultrasonic waves keeping from being uncomfortable to ensure that they move on and leave your car alone.
Not only can you use it on your car, but you can also use it around your house to keep pesky animals from making themselves such as rabbits, squirrels, rats, raccoons, martens, and even cats that crawl inside the engine compartment.
The sound it emits is not harmful to the ears of children and humans, and it does not give off a toxic smell to shoo away mice and other pests.
Therefore, it is safe for everyday use. It also comes with an on and off button; however, you need to manually on and off the button when in use and not in use, unlike with the other brands that were discussed in this review post.
It also comes with a LED indicator that shows when the battery is low and needs to be recharged.
This rodent repeller is way bigger than other brands of car rodent repellers mentioned here. It measures around 5 x 3 x 2 inches and weighs around 4.8 ounces.
Nonetheless, this device is easy to install and mount under the hood of your car; it is water-resistant so that when there’s a sudden downpour, you don’t need to worry about getting it out of the hood.
This device is 100% cruelty-free since it does not involve any toxic means of getting rid of mice; instead, it deters away mice from your vehicle by producing sound.
Pros:
- It is easy to install and mount in the car
- It is water-resistant
- It comes with a LED indicator to show the battery percentage
- It works on any vehicle
- It produces powerful sound waves
Cons:
- The batteries are not included in the packaging
- It does not come with LED strobe light
- It is not equipped with an automatic on and off mode
Signs That Mice Are Already In Your Car
Here are some common signs that your car is under rodent attack:
Scent
The first sign you might notice is the presence of an unpleasant smell. You won’t be able to recognize it right away or at all times, but you will be able to detect the presence of rodents because of foul odour.
Unusual noise
Rodents make scratching or gnawing noises. They can either scratch the surface of your wire or start biting on the wire.
Chew marks
Rodents can cause damages to different parts of your car. Starting from the ignition wires that includes the air vents up to the interior upholstery and hood insulation.
Mice are especially damaging because of the enamel that is present in their strong teeth, which is enough to chew and gnaw through your inner-vehicle components,
Common signs of chew marks include:
- Gnawed wires around the engine
- Claw marks and droppings
- Chewed insulation and upholstery
- Shredded gauze in the air vent
Faulty Display
Mice can chew on wires of gadgets such as a monitor that are connected to a display unit. These scenarios can lead to a faulty display and cause further damages.
How Mice Get Into Cars
Though it may seem that your car is protected when you lock and turn on the alarm system, well, mice are an intelligent species, and they have their way of getting into almost all types of vehicles.
It is because of their small size that can fit in as small as 0.6 cm gap. It is easy for them to squeeze into these tiny openings making their way to your car.
In most cases, they crawl up under the engine and make their way to other areas once they are inside the car. Listed below are the most common entry points that mice will use as their entry point to the car.
- Air vents
- Pedal shafts
- Steering columns
- Holes around cables
Mice can also make their way into your car if you leave the window down or cracked; therefore, it is essential to keep your car inhospitable for them. Here are some tips on how to prevent mice from coming into your car.
How To Prevent Mice From Getting In Your Car
When you open your glove compartment to get your sunglasses or reach for your pen, the last thing you want to see is a body of either a dead or live mouse. You cannot guarantee a hundred per cent rodent-free car; however, it may seem possible if you follow these tips below.
Keep Your Car Clean
Imagine, your car is filled with trash- crumpled pieces of paper, used tissues, cups, fast food bags with leftovers – it can be attractive to mice. In a sense, you made your car into a dumpster, which is an ideal place to build their nest to hide, sleep, and look for food.
It is now time to change your bad habits and start cleaning your car or keep your car clean at all times.
Keep Your Vehicle Dry At All Times
Mice are attracted to damp and moist areas; therefore, if your car is always wet or moist, that makes them be allured to get into your car. It is essential to keep moisture from building up inside your vehicle.
Moisture can be caused by different factors such as a blocked pollen filter or there’s a leak in the heater.
Damp clothing can also add up to the problem. If this problem persists every night, make sure to have your car inspected so that you know the root cause of the issue.
Keep Foliage Away From Your Car
During autumn, where many leaves fall, mice are looking for places to seek shelter.
A vehicle has always been an inviting place for them; therefore, if foliage surrounds your car, a pathway is formed to your car.
In contrast, mice are less likely to get into your car if they cannot come up with a place near to it.
Keep Your Windows And Doors Closed All The Time
If any of your doors are slightly open, or one of the windows won’t close, those spots are the most accessible point of entry for mice. They can go inside your car in no sweat!
While the above tips can lessen the likelihood of mice getting into your car, you may also consider getting rodent repellent for your car to prevent them from getting in your car.
Well, I have listed the best rodent repellents that are mainly designed for vehicles, which I reviewed carefully to give you the best options.
Use Rodent Repellents
This one is obvious since I just reviewed the best repellents for the cars this year.
How To Dispose of A Dead Mouse In Your Car
There may be times when a mouse has passed many obstacles to survive, only to end its journey inside your car.
Hence, when removing a dead mouse from the vehicle, you must know how to follow safety sanitation guidelines since mice carry germs, viruses, and dirt that can cause diseases that can leave in their wake.
The most important tip is never to handle a mouse with your bare hands. Make sure to wear disposable rubber gloves, and follow these steps of rodent removal:
- Seal the carcass in two Ziploc bags and then dispose of them in an outdoor trash can
- Wipe the area where you see the mouse’s dead body with paper towels, and then dispose of them carefully in the trash
- Disinfect the area by mixing 1.5 cups of bleach to a gallon of water
- Then using a sponge, saturate the infected areas of your car with the solution
- Leave the area for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then wipe it with clean water
- Dispose of the glove and the used sponge in the trash
Once you are done with the cleaning process, please wash your hands, forearms, and under nails with a bar of antibacterial soap for 5 minutes and then rinse it using warm water.
Conclusion
With the above buyer’s guide and top-rated car rodent repellers, you can now easily find the best and ideal rodent repeller for your car that will match your needs.
All the reviewed items are durable, rugged, and heat-resistant devices that are recommended for long-drive where the car’s engine usually heats up.
Apart from this, these rodent repellents are easy to install in the car, and they are weatherproof so that you can use them during all seasons.
The good news is that they are excellent in expelling different pests such as rabbits, squirrels, deers, birds, chipmunks, and raccoons aside from mice. It also implies that it will help make your garage and basement free from rodents.
They are also convenient to use since they have smart sensory vibration chips that automatically turn on when the car is parked or at rest and turn off when the car is moving, or the engine is starting.
While most of the rodent repeller reviewed are battery operated, some come with three methods of power supply, wherein you can also utilize the car’s battery.
Lastly, these rodent repellent works by emitting powerful and random ultrasonic sounds and LED lights that are non-toxic to them, as well to your pets and children.
Therefore, if you are looking for a humane way of deterring mice away from your vehicles, any of these products listed above is a great option.
