Yes, mice can and often do nest in vehicle engine bays. They choose engine bays because they are enclosed, warm spaces and they can often find insulation and other padding which they can use for building nests.
Parked cars are good shelters for rodents that are looking for a place to stay in the winter. This is not something you want to happen to you because rodents can chew wiring harnesses and hoses, both of which can lead to serious repair bills.
Residual engine heat keeps the bay warmer than the garage for the hours following a drive. The space is enclosed and hidden from predators. They can also use sound insulation, hood liner padding, and air filter housing as materials to make nests. This problem is even more likely to occur if you have a vehicle that stays sitting for days at a time.
Rodent teeth grow continuously like human fingernails. They need to be filed down, and they do this through chewing. When rodents chew through car parts, it can break sensors and lead to warning lights. You might even try to start up your car and find that it just won’t go. Even worse, nesting material packed right up against an engine or the air intake is a fire risk.
If your car smells musty or you find nesting material or droppings on top of the engine, that’s a serious warning sign. If this has happened to you, or you want to help prevent it from happening, start by clearing food out of the garage. Move birdseed and pet food to metal or heavy plastic containers with tight lids. Cut down on clutter so rodents have nowhere to rest. And seal the garage door by replacing the gasket at the bottom. As for your vehicle, it’s a good idea to look under the hood from time to time, especially on vehicles left sitting for a long time.
If mice are getting into your garage or your home, Mosquito Squad of Rockford can help. Mosquito Squad finds how mice are getting in, clears them with traps and bait stations, and seals the entry points with chew-resistant materials. Annual inspections will help you protect your property over time.
