How to Keep Rodents Out of Stored Classic Cars
Classic cars are prized possessions, and it’s essential to protect them from damage, especially when they’re in storage. One of the most significant threats to stored vehicles is rodents. Mice, rats, and squirrels can cause extensive damage by gnawing on wires, upholstery, and other components. They can also leave behind droppings and urine, creating unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
If you’re storing a classic car, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent rodents from getting inside. Here are some tips on how to keep rodents out of your stored classic car:
1. Clean the Car Thoroughly
Before putting your classic car into storage, give it a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Rodents are attracted to food crumbs, spilled drinks, and other debris. By removing these attractants, you’ll make your car less appealing to rodents.
- Interior: Vacuum the entire interior of the car, including the seats, carpets, and trunk. Pay attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas where food crumbs may accumulate. Wipe down all surfaces with a cleaning solution.
- Exterior: Wash the exterior of the car to remove any dirt, grime, or food residue. Pay attention to the engine compartment and undercarriage, where rodents may seek shelter.
2. Seal Entry Points
Rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your car for any potential entry points and seal them off.
- Windows and Doors: Ensure that all windows and doors are tightly closed and sealed. Replace any worn weather stripping or seals.
- Holes and Gaps: Check for any holes or gaps in the body of the car, especially around the firewall, floorboards, and trunk. Seal these openings with caulk, steel wool, or metal flashing.
- Exhaust Pipe: Cover the exhaust pipe with steel wool or a metal screen to prevent rodents from entering through the tailpipe.
3. Remove Attractants
Rodents are attracted to food, water, and nesting materials. Remove these attractants from the storage area to make it less appealing to rodents.
- Food: Never store food inside the car or in the storage area.
- Water: Repair any leaks in the car or storage area. Remove any standing water.
- Nesting Materials: Remove any potential nesting materials from the storage area, such as cardboard boxes, newspapers, and old rags.
4. Use Rodent Repellents
Several rodent repellents can help keep rodents away from your stored classic car.
- Mothballs: Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to rodents. Place mothballs in the interior of the car, under the hood, and in the trunk. Be sure to place the mothballs in containers to prevent them from coming into direct contact with the car’s surfaces.
- Peppermint Oil: Rodents dislike the smell of peppermint oil. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around the car. You can also spray peppermint oil around the storage area.
- Electronic Repellents: Electronic rodent repellents emit ultrasonic sounds that are said to repel rodents. Place these devices in the storage area.
- Rodenticides: If you’re dealing with a severe rodent infestation, you may need to use rodenticides. These poisons can be effective, but they should be used with caution. Keep rodenticides out of reach of children and pets.
5. Set Traps
Traps can be an effective way to catch rodents that have already entered your stored classic car.
- Snap Traps: Snap traps are a traditional and effective way to catch rodents. Bait the traps with peanut butter, cheese, or other attractive foods.
- Glue Traps: Glue traps are another option for catching rodents. Place the traps in areas where rodents are likely to travel.
- Live Traps: Live traps allow you to capture rodents without killing them. Bait the traps and release the rodents far away from your property.
6. Elevate the Car
Rodents are less likely to climb onto a car that is elevated off the ground.
- Car Stands: Use car stands to raise the car off the ground. This will also make it easier to inspect the car for rodent damage.
- Plastic Sheeting: Place a sheet of plastic under the car to prevent rodents from accessing the undercarriage.
7. Cover the Car
A car cover can provide an additional layer of protection against rodents.
- Fabric Car Cover: A fabric car cover will protect the car from dust, dirt, and scratches.
- Waterproof Car Cover: A waterproof car cover will protect the car from rain and snow.
- Rodent-Resistant Car Cover: Some car covers are made from rodent-resistant materials. These covers can provide an extra layer of protection against rodents.
8. Store in a Secure Location
The location where you store your classic car can also affect the risk of rodent infestation.
- Clean and Dry Storage Area: Choose a storage area that is clean, dry, and well-maintained.
- Seal the Storage Area: Seal any cracks or openings in the walls, floors, and ceilings of the storage area.
- Elevate Items: Store items off the floor to prevent rodents from nesting underneath them.
9. Monitor Regularly
Regularly check your stored classic car for signs of rodent activity.
- Droppings: Look for droppings on the floor, seats, and engine compartment.
- Gnawing: Check for signs of gnawing on wires, upholstery, and other components.
- Nests: Look for nests in the interior of the car, under the hood, and in the trunk.
- Urine Odor: Smell for a strong urine odor, which can indicate a rodent infestation.
10. Call a Professional
If you have a severe rodent infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control company. They have the knowledge and equipment to safely and effectively remove rodents from your stored classic car.
Conclusion
Rodents can cause extensive damage to stored classic cars. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your prized possession from these unwanted pests. Follow these tips to keep rodents out of your stored classic car and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come. Regular monitoring and maintenance are key to preventing rodent infestations and protecting your investment.
