How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Car Engine

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Car Engine

Squirrels can cause unexpected and potentially expensive vehicle damage when they begin spending time under the hood. Engine compartments provide shelter, protected hiding places, and spaces where squirrels may store food or nesting materials.

They may also chew wiring, insulation, hoses, and other vehicle components.

Why Do Squirrels Get Into Car Engines?

Squirrels naturally explore protected spaces while looking for shelter or places to store food.

Vehicles may be more attractive when they are:

• Parked for long periods

• Located near trees

• Parked near bird feeders

• Close to wooded areas

• Stored in barns or sheds

• Surrounded by vegetation or debris

• Rarely driven

The engine compartment can provide a secluded location where squirrels may be relatively undisturbed.

Remove Food Sources Around Your Car

Birdseed, nuts, pet food, livestock feed, and garbage can attract squirrels and other rodents to the area surrounding your vehicle.

Keep these materials securely stored and clean up spilled seed or feed.

If you have bird feeders nearby, regularly clean up seed that falls to the ground.

Reduce Easy Access and Hiding Places

Keep vegetation, branches, debris, and unnecessary clutter away from vehicle parking areas whenever practical.

If your car is stored in a garage or building, inspect the structure for potential rodent entry points and repair appropriate openings.

Check Under the Hood Regularly

Regular inspections are especially important if your vehicle isn't driven every day.

Look for:

• Nuts or stored food

• Leaves and nesting materials

• Droppings

• Gnaw marks

• Damaged wiring

• Chewed insulation

• Damaged hoses

If you discover damaged vehicle components, have them inspected before operating the vehicle.

Use a Vehicle Rodent Repellent

A vehicle-specific rodent repellent can provide another layer of protection.

Natural Armor All-Natural Engine & Vehicle Rodent Defense is designed to help discourage squirrels, mice, rats, and other unwanted rodents around vehicles, engines, wiring, and equipment.

Apply the product to appropriate locations according to the label directions and reapply as recommended.

Protect Vehicles That Sit for Long Periods

Stored cars, classic vehicles, RVs, tractors, ATVs, and other equipment may be more vulnerable because rodents can investigate them without frequent disturbance.

Regularly inspect these vehicles and maintain your rodent-prevention measures throughout storage.

Protect Your Engine Before Damage Happens

Keeping squirrels away from a vehicle works best as a combination of preventative measures.

Remove nearby food sources, reduce hiding places, inspect the engine compartment regularly, keep the parking area clean, and use a vehicle-specific rodent repellent.

Preventing squirrels from becoming comfortable under the hood can help reduce the risk of expensive wiring and engine-compartment damage.