There’s nothing more unsettling than discovering you have a long-tailed stowaway hitching a ride with you. A car should be a refuge, not a rat cage! If you discover those beady eyes, take advantage of rat removal in Victoria. Consider the reasons why rats want to hole up in your car and take some practical steps to keep them out.

Why Are Rats Attracted to Your Car?

Rats are creatures of habit who look for the path of least resistance. Any place that keeps them safe, warm, and dry will be hugely attractive to them. Cars are also safer than patios, decks, and attics because people and pets are farther away. They can get all the shelter they need without the risk of being run off by larger animals (us). They also like the soft upholstery to make their beds and the potential for finding free food that’s been left behind. If you’re not sure why rats are getting in your car, inquire about wildlife removal on Vancouver Island.

Get Rid of Food Sources

Even when your car is parked in a garage, it may not be rat-proof. In fact, pet food in garages, garbage bags of food waste, and uneaten food left inside the car are all attractive to rats. Make sure that pet food is well-sealed in plastic or glass containers. Open bags of food are ready for rats to devour.

Keep your car clean of any fast food wrappers, lunch boxes, or unsealed snacks. If you keep garbage in your garage near your car, close it tight with a well-fitting can and lid. Rats love to grab food that is nearby and then take it into a shelter for safe-keeping. Don’t let them use your car as their kitchen pantry.

Block Points of Entry

Think creatively about where a rat could be entering your car. They are not able to open doors or windows, but they can crawl inside through open wheel wells and air intake areas. Installing wire mesh may be a solution. Bright lighting inside your garage may also keep rats from attempting to enter your car. If they think they’re being seen, they might go elsewhere.

Clear Away Hiding Spots

Rats like to hide in the engine compartment of your car. If you suspect an infestation, take a garden hose and fully flush out the underside and top of your engine. This will remove any rat nests and droppings while not damaging your car. Check underneath all four wheel wells to see if there is any evidence of rats. If your car has been parked for a long time, you may have to check the undercarriage of the car as well. Spare tire stowage is another likely place to house a rat family.

Diseases and Bacteria

Rats are not only a nuisance. They can also present a significant health hazard to you, your pets, and your family. Wherever a rat goes, it brings its contaminants along. Their droppings contain hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which can cause respiratory issues in humans. This is easily spread through touch.

Call Skedaddle for Rat Removal in Victoria 

It is always best to call a professional before attempting any wildlife control. Trying to capture a rat on your own with traps or poisons may work at first, but there’s no way to know if you have eliminated all the rats.

An expert can determine how many babies are likely in the car. Mothers are very good at hiding their young, so it requires someone with special knowledge to investigate the extent of the problem. When you contact Skedaddle, you get a full assessment, thorough removal, expert cleaning, and proactive prevention strategies to keep the rats out for good.