[ottbmare]

Speaking of car engines, does anybody have an idea how to keep rats out of my car engine in the winter? Last winter a rat or something got in there and chewed through the wiring of my alternator, which I did not appreciate, though the mechanic was pretty happy about it. Now his cousin is back. (The rat’s cousin, not the mechanic’s cousin.) Tonight I found rodent poop on the battery. I sent my terrier and my larger hunting hound after him this evening but they had no luck. He laughs at traps. Ideas are welcome. I don’t want to pay for more work on the car.

By the way, my house, garage, and car are clean. I think he’s just coming in for the warmth.

[glock rocks]

Bait the rat trap with a small gob of peanut butter and one piece of cat/dog food on top. Gets em every time. They tend to run around walls, so put the traps against the wall in front of your vehicle, behind something the dawgs won’t get to...

[smokingfrog]

Park outside.

[Gabz]

rat poison on the engine block.

[4yearlurker]

Try those rat trap sticky pads. Put a bunch on the ground under your car engine and maybe a few on top. Just watch your terrier don't get into them.

[Ditter]

My husband started finding rat poop ON his dashboard and wires had been chewed. I set a trap inside his truck and after about 2 weeks I caught Mr. Rat (14” from nose to tip of tail). The poop continued to show up and a week later I caught MrsRat. The 2 had set up house keeping IN his truck and were preparing for a family. BARF!

The repair shop found a place where they had gotten in and closed it up.

[NoGrayZone]

I can’t believe you mentioned that. My nephew just had a $485 car bill because a rodent chewed through his wires! I had NO idea they did that...and why!

[Twinkie]

Mice hate mint; so rats may too. Put some mint oil here and there, prepare to smell like a peppermint stick. Also spread some mint leaves around under your car here and there.