How to prevent rodent damage in your garage?

STooK · 10-31-2018, 09:59 PM

Today one of my dreams came true. My co-op called me saying a garage space opened up and it's mine if I want it. Of course I said yes, as it's been one of my dreams to have a garage for my car. When I entered the garage, I noticed a rat poison box I'm guessing the previous owner left behind. Since the garage is located near the garbage area, I'm afraid that they will try to get inside once the temps drop in the winter.

I'm aware that rodents can do quite a damage to a car by gnawing on the wires inside the engine bay. I'm going to assume the worst and pretend that rodents will get into the garage in the winter time and want to prevent them from damaging my M3.

I'm going to be driving my car through the winter at least once a week, possibly more depending on the weather. Does anyone have any advice on steps I can take to prevent rodents from chewing up my wires? I've heard Bounce laundry sheets and peppermint oil works but I'm not sure where they could be placed. Also heard mothballs work as well. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

OG Shark · 10-31-2018, 10:11 PM

Get a cat

deansbimmer · 10-31-2018, 10:55 PM

I find sonic deterrents work well for enclosed garages.

IB M · 10-31-2018, 11:07 PM

Driving the car once a week is a good deterrent.

Still you'll have to decide if u are ok with lethal means. For mice I find good old fashioned snap traps work best and are a quick kill. Glue traps work well also but the critters will suffer more which I don't like. I don't like poison because it's dangerous to other animals as well.

I'm not sure about rats however, I've heard they are a smart bunch and poison might be the best answer.

Sonic deterrents , moth balls are non- lethal which some prefer but I'm not sure how well they work. Perhaps if u use these and drive the car often it'll be ok but the stakes are high. One rodent chew party could cost thousands.

IB M · 10-31-2018, 11:13 PM

Adder - can u seal the garage? I had mice problems on a new build garage but then completely foam insulated, sealed and sheet rocked the walls and ceiling. No more mice able to get inside.

No need to spend big money if it's a rental but perhaps use a few cans of expanding foam spray and seal every crack and seem.

timothy2001 · 11-01-2018, 07:57 AM

Plug in ultra sonic devices worked for me in the past. We had an RV and used them in upstate NY and the mice left it alone. Also, it may not be pleasant but old fashioned moth balls in breathable bags (not in the car but in the garage) are supposed to keep them away too but be careful as they are poisonous to pets. I use them in the enclosure of my pool heater and they appear to keep rodents out.

I had an Acura TL that rodents went to down on in the engine compartment. Insurance paid most of the damage costs but man what a PITA.

Good luck.

Mvy · 11-01-2018, 08:35 AM

All the new rat poisons are not actual poison. Someone figured out that corn gluten kills the buggers. Its toxic to rodents, but wont kill your dog or kid if they eat it. So if you try the rat bait its likely the best thing to do, along with snap traps. I found rats can get out of large glue traps so the tube trap in a corner or along the wall near the car is the best. Keep your felt underskirt in good condition so there are no openings to enter. And open the hood often to look for nesting material. Thats your sign you have been invaded.

Otherwise, you can take some comfort in knowing the rats like the new bio plastics in Hondas a lot more than they like other cars. So park as close as possible to an accord. :-)

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/aut...awsuit-n504746

tooloud10 · 11-01-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mvy

All the new rat poisons are not actual poison. Someone figured out that corn gluten kills the buggers. Its toxic to rodents, but wont kill your dog or kid if they eat it. So if you try the rat bait its likely the best thing to do, along with snap traps. I found rats can get out of large glue traps so the tube trap in a corner or along the wall near the car is the best. Keep your felt underskirt in good condition so there are no openings to enter. And open the hood often to look for nesting material. Thats your sign you have been invaded.

Having battled rodents in the recent past, I think this is the best advice so far. Bait them immediately outside (or inside) the door if you can, and see how it goes. They still may enter the garage but will eventually get sick and leave. If you still see activity try to use traps right at the base of the wall.

I have to deal with this every few years (garage and house) and I've never seen any evidence that the ultrasonic devices do any good at all. A lot of people will tell you that they're straight up snake oil.

deansbimmer · 11-01-2018, 11:47 AM

We've used sonic deterrents to eliminate rodents in our backyard (garden) and in our garages. They definitely work for the rodents we battle. (field mice, rabbits, and Norwegian roof rats).

Some rats are very persistent and will put up with the discomfort for their favorite food, but for mice they almost always do the trick if they're set up properly.

Glue traps work for smaller mice. Rats around here will get stuck on even the large traps and haul off the whole pad. Our mature rats are also very suspicious of traps and bait. We only seem to catch the juveniles. We can catch mature rats with occasional use of Have-A-Hart traps set up directly in their traffic paths for a night or two at a time. They catch them off guard while on their common routes.

You won't always see nesting under the hood. Look for their paw prints in the dust, that's a sure sign.

tooloud10 · 11-01-2018, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

We've used sonic deterrents to eliminate rodents in our backyard (garden) and in our garages. They definitely work for the rodents we battle. (field mice, rabbits, and Norwegian roof rats).

Some rats are very persistent and will put up with the discomfort for their favorite food, but for mice they almost always do the trick if they're set up properly.

Do you mind sharing what model you're using? I'd love to find that a solution as simple/easy as that actually works.

deansbimmer · 11-01-2018, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooloud10

Do you mind sharing what model you're using? I'd love to find that a solution as simple/easy as that actually works.

We use THESE in the yard...

And THESE in enclosed areas. Our garage is sealed up but rats and mice like to hang out inside our outdoor kitchen under the counters, grill, and fridge and these prevent that in those small quarters...

I think what ends up working is a device that produces whatever frequency your particular pests find most disagreeable.

///M Power-Belgium · 11-01-2018, 01:10 PM

.

are0lies · 11-01-2018, 01:21 PM

Has anyone tried this?

I wouldn't mind trying an ultrasonic device, but I wonder what effect it would have on my dogs.

STooK · 11-02-2018, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IB M

Adder - can u seal the garage? I had mice problems on a new build garage but then completely foam insulated, sealed and sheet rocked the walls and ceiling. No more mice able to get inside.

No need to spend big money if it's a rental but perhaps use a few cans of expanding foam spray and seal every crack and seem.

Thank you everyone for the tips. After being lost in home depot for an hour today, I think the best solution will be to fill up the cracks with expanding foam spray. I already purchased the steel wool so I'm going to fill up the cracks with the wool and seal with the foam. And maybe purchase some snap traps and lay it around the front of the car.

I looked into the sonic waves and peppermint spray and such, but they all seem to be just gimmicks. Hopefully filling the cracks and traps will prevent a chew party in my engine bay. Thanks again everyone.

spazzyfry123 · 11-03-2018, 05:40 PM

Give these guys a call. Ask for Ken or Walt. They are more than willing to give you some advice.

http://www.doityourselfpestcontrol.com

javarithms · 11-03-2018, 11:23 PM

I leave the hood open during the hibernation period and haven't had any rodent problem so far.

2000cs · 11-06-2018, 08:52 AM

Moth balls seem to work if you can stand the odor. I also use them to keep bats from nesting under our eaves by the doors (put one up high under the eave).

The only thing that I’ve really had success with at our country house is steel wool in all access holes - a mouse can get in a hole about the size of a dime. Glue traps inside (we use the rat size for mice because the larger area seems to do better than the wee little mouse traps).

One food source is bugs, so kill all bugs too!

Maynard · 11-06-2018, 08:58 AM

From what I can tell, the sonic devices work in the same range of pet hearing, so I assume they'd also turn my cat into s/t even more psychotic (if that got her homicidal towards mice it would be a win, but no signs of that so far).

Never_Enough · 11-06-2018, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000cs

Moth balls seem to work if you can stand the odor. I also use them to keep bats from nesting under our eaves by the doors (put one up high under the eave).

The only thing that I’ve really had success with at our country house is steel wool in all access holes - a mouse can get in a hole about the size of a dime. Glue traps inside (we use the rat size for mice because the larger area seems to do better than the wee little mouse traps).

One food source is bugs, so kill all bugs too!

Moth balls do not work on mice.

PINeely · 11-06-2018, 09:34 AM

Will you be driving the car? They won't nest in one that gets driven, even once every few days will do.

jlstyle · 11-06-2018, 09:44 AM

Get the car on the jack and put the sticky tapes around the jack and call it a day!

On a serious note, if there's a garbage area near it, constant bait swap is the way to go. I find snap type the best working trap when I had a rodent problems. It's just so nasty to get rid of them..

Wolf 335 · 11-06-2018, 09:55 AM

Laundry sheets don't work and neither does peppermint oil.

I've made the bucket trap and used it at work as we had found some mice droppings below the sub floor.

Very easy to make.

Bucket, wire coat hanger, bottle of water, peanut butter, water, wooden ramp.

Place peanut butter on the ramp and on the bottle. It's a guaranteed capture. I've caught 3 within 24 hour span. They LOVE peanut butter!!

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Name: aaaaaaCapture.JPG
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Size: 65.2 KB

Easy disposal without having to touch it. Just dump the water along with the mouse.

10-31-2018, 09:59 PM	#1
STooK Lieutenant Colonel 737 Rep 1,973 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: NY iTrader: (6)	How to prevent rodent damage in your garage? Today one of my dreams came true. My co-op called me saying a garage space opened up and it's mine if I want it. Of course I said yes, as it's been one of my dreams to have a garage for my car. When I entered the garage, I noticed a rat poison box I'm guessing the previous owner left behind. Since the garage is located near the garbage area, I'm afraid that they will try to get inside once the temps drop in the winter. I'm aware that rodents can do quite a damage to a car by gnawing on the wires inside the engine bay. I'm going to assume the worst and pretend that rodents will get into the garage in the winter time and want to prevent them from damaging my M3. I'm going to be driving my car through the winter at least once a week, possibly more depending on the weather. Does anyone have any advice on steps I can take to prevent rodents from chewing up my wires? I've heard Bounce laundry sheets and peppermint oil works but I'm not sure where they could be placed. Also heard mothballs work as well. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. __________________ 2013 BMW E92 ///M3 AW/BLK ZCP CF Roof 6 Speed - Perfection 2011 BMW E90 328i xDrive Space Grey/Black - Daily 2011 BMW E93 ///M3 MW/FR/BLK 6 Speed - Gone but not forgotten
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10-31-2018, 10:11 PM	#2
OG Shark 4903 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: Angry Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spring Branch, TX iTrader: (5)	Get a cat
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10-31-2018, 10:55 PM	#3
deansbimmer Mporium BMW 4022 Rep 2,982 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (17) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 X5M [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	I find sonic deterrents work well for enclosed garages.
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10-31-2018, 11:07 PM	#4
IB M Brigadier General 2858 Rep 4,310 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 6MT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [8.50] 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	Driving the car once a week is a good deterrent. Still you'll have to decide if u are ok with lethal means. For mice I find good old fashioned snap traps work best and are a quick kill. Glue traps work well also but the critters will suffer more which I don't like. I don't like poison because it's dangerous to other animals as well. I'm not sure about rats however, I've heard they are a smart bunch and poison might be the best answer. Sonic deterrents , moth balls are non- lethal which some prefer but I'm not sure how well they work. Perhaps if u use these and drive the car often it'll be ok but the stakes are high. One rodent chew party could cost thousands.
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10-31-2018, 11:13 PM	#5
IB M Brigadier General 2858 Rep 4,310 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 6MT Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 [8.50] 2013 BMW M3 [10.00]	Adder - can u seal the garage? I had mice problems on a new build garage but then completely foam insulated, sealed and sheet rocked the walls and ceiling. No more mice able to get inside. No need to spend big money if it's a rental but perhaps use a few cans of expanding foam spray and seal every crack and seem.
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11-01-2018, 07:57 AM	#6
timothy2001 Major 862 Rep 1,186 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 6MT ZCP Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NE Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 E92 [0.00]	Plug in ultra sonic devices worked for me in the past. We had an RV and used them in upstate NY and the mice left it alone. Also, it may not be pleasant but old fashioned moth balls in breathable bags (not in the car but in the garage) are supposed to keep them away too but be careful as they are poisonous to pets. I use them in the enclosure of my pool heater and they appear to keep rodents out. I had an Acura TL that rodents went to down on in the engine compartment. Insurance paid most of the damage costs but man what a PITA. Good luck.
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11-01-2018, 08:35 AM	#7
Mvy Captain 550 Rep 977 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: GA Peach iTrader: (0)	All the new rat poisons are not actual poison. Someone figured out that corn gluten kills the buggers. Its toxic to rodents, but wont kill your dog or kid if they eat it. So if you try the rat bait its likely the best thing to do, along with snap traps. I found rats can get out of large glue traps so the tube trap in a corner or along the wall near the car is the best. Keep your felt underskirt in good condition so there are no openings to enter. And open the hood often to look for nesting material. Thats your sign you have been invaded. Otherwise, you can take some comfort in knowing the rats like the new bio plastics in Hondas a lot more than they like other cars. So park as close as possible to an accord. :-) https://www.nbcnews.com/business/aut...awsuit-n504746 __________________ Harrop Supercharger, BPM Tune, K/W Coil over kit, Stoptek BBK, Magnaflow exhaust, ear to ear grin everytime I drive... Last edited by Mvy; 11-01-2018 at 09:15 AM..
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11-01-2018, 11:47 AM	#9
deansbimmer Mporium BMW 4022 Rep 2,982 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (17) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 X5M [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	We've used sonic deterrents to eliminate rodents in our backyard (garden) and in our garages. They definitely work for the rodents we battle. (field mice, rabbits, and Norwegian roof rats). Some rats are very persistent and will put up with the discomfort for their favorite food, but for mice they almost always do the trick if they're set up properly. Glue traps work for smaller mice. Rats around here will get stuck on even the large traps and haul off the whole pad. Our mature rats are also very suspicious of traps and bait. We only seem to catch the juveniles. We can catch mature rats with occasional use of Have-A-Hart traps set up directly in their traffic paths for a night or two at a time. They catch them off guard while on their common routes. You won't always see nesting under the hood. Look for their paw prints in the dust, that's a sure sign.
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11-01-2018, 01:10 PM	#12
///M Power-Belgium General 71538 Rep 26,820 Posts Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Silverstone II Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	. Attached Images __________________ "MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023+2024 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion - BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod.
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11-01-2018, 01:21 PM	#13
are0lies Banned 4145 Rep 1,867 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E93 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Riverside iTrader: (0)	Has anyone tried this? I wouldn't mind trying an ultrasonic device, but I wonder what effect it would have on my dogs. Attached Images
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11-03-2018, 05:40 PM	#15
spazzyfry123 Lieutenant Colonel 5061 Rep 1,992 Posts Drives: Here and There Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: North Georgia Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List (2)11 BMW E90M Stri ... [10.00] (1)11 BMW E90M Stri ... [10.00] 98 Lexus LS400 [10.00] 16 Toyota Land Cruiser [10.00] 97 Toyota Land Cruiser [8.33]	Give these guys a call. Ask for Ken or Walt. They are more than willing to give you some advice. http://www.doityourselfpestcontrol.com
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11-03-2018, 11:23 PM	#16
javarithms First Lieutenant 198 Rep 363 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 SG FR, '03 530i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I leave the hood open during the hibernation period and haven't had any rodent problem so far. __________________
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11-06-2018, 08:52 AM	#17
2000cs Captain 3909 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: Potato Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Moth balls seem to work if you can stand the odor. I also use them to keep bats from nesting under our eaves by the doors (put one up high under the eave). The only thing that I’ve really had success with at our country house is steel wool in all access holes - a mouse can get in a hole about the size of a dime. Glue traps inside (we use the rat size for mice because the larger area seems to do better than the wee little mouse traps). One food source is bugs, so kill all bugs too!
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11-06-2018, 08:58 AM	#18
Maynard Colonel 4236 Rep 2,972 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	From what I can tell, the sonic devices work in the same range of pet hearing, so I assume they'd also turn my cat into s/t even more psychotic (if that got her homicidal towards mice it would be a win, but no signs of that so far).
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11-06-2018, 09:34 AM	#20
PINeely Lieutenant Colonel 1080 Rep 1,912 Posts Drives: 2013 535i, 2015 Tundra 1794 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (2)	Will you be driving the car? They won't nest in one that gets driven, even once every few days will do.
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11-06-2018, 09:44 AM	#21
jlstyle Lieutenant Colonel 362 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: Porsche Panamera Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Audi S7 [0.00] 2015 BMW X5 [0.00]	Get the car on the jack and put the sticky tapes around the jack and call it a day! On a serious note, if there's a garbage area near it, constant bait swap is the way to go. I find snap type the best working trap when I had a rodent problems. It's just so nasty to get rid of them..
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11-06-2018, 09:55 AM	#22
Wolf 335 Brigadier General 2572 Rep 3,663 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Laundry sheets don't work and neither does peppermint oil. I've made the bucket trap and used it at work as we had found some mice droppings below the sub floor. Very easy to make. Bucket, wire coat hanger, bottle of water, peanut butter, water, wooden ramp. Place peanut butter on the ramp and on the bottle. It's a guaranteed capture. I've caught 3 within 24 hour span. They LOVE peanut butter!! Easy disposal without having to touch it. Just dump the water along with the mouse.
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