
Five Common Pests That Can Damage Your Car (and How to Prevent Them)
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When we invest as much as we do into our vehicles, it’s important that we keep them in driving condition. But it’s not always so easy. Whether because of the warmth of the engine bay, the large supply of insulation materials, or the promise of food crumbs, our vehicles easily attract critters and pests looking for a cozy place to hide away — and wreak havoc.
These unwanted guests can easily cost thousands of dollars in damage and even compromise your safety, from electrical failures to contaminated air systems. Taking proactive measures to protect your vehicle today can save you a lot of stress in the future.
In this guide, we’ll look at five pests every vehicle owner should be aware of, what sort of damage they might cause, and how you can prevent it.

1. Rodents
Of all the pests that can damage your vehicle, none are more common or destructive than rodents. Mice, rats, and squirrels are drawn to the warmth and safety of your car’s engine bays, air vents, and other hidden compartments, particularly during the winter months. Once inside, they’ll chew through wiring, insulation, and upholstery — causing significant and costly damage.
Types of Rodent Damage:
- Chewed wiring: Rodents gnaw continuously throughout their life to maintain their ever-growing teeth. Electrical wires are a prime target (and an expensive repair).
- Nesting in engines: Quick to make themselves at home, rodents will build nests in the heart of your vehicle, contaminating air filters and creating fire hazards.
- Interior damage: From urine and droppings to gnawed upholstery and shredded insulation, little is safe from a rodent infestation. Even after removal, cleanups can be difficult and costly.
How to Prevent Rodent Damage:
- Install a Box-Kat mouse barrier: Our patented mouse barrier surrounds your vehicle and prevents mice and other rodents from jumping over or crawling under, offering unmatched protection.
- Remove attractants: Clean your car and garage. Trash, scraps, clutter, and pet food can bring rodents calling. A tidy area is a great deterrent.
- Regular inspections: Particularly for vehicles in long-term storage, it’s important to keep an eye on your investment. Check for signs of droppings or nesting materials and run the engine occasionally.
2. Wasps
Wasps are opportunistic nest builders. The tight, confined spaces in your car — like the engine bay, exhaust pipes, and undercarriages — make prime nesting spots, especially if the vehicle is left unused for long periods.
Types of Wasp Damage:
- Blockages: A nest inside your AC system or exhaust pipes can reduce efficiency, cause overheating, and lead to engine malfunctions.
- Structural damage: Residue from wasp nets can clog or damage mechanical components; removing these nests may require professional cleaning.
- Safety concerns: Wasps are territorial. Returning to your vehicle after they’ve made it their own could lead to painful stings.
How to Prevent Wasp Damage:
- Park strategically: Do your best to stay away from other nesting areas such as trees, eaves, or overgrown shrubs. A sealed garage is best.
- Keep it clean: Any food remnants might attract wasps. Keep both your car and your storage area as clean as possible.
- Use vehicle covers: If parking outside, invest in a custom-fit vehicle cover that fits snug and covers potential openings.
3. Birds
Birds may not break into your car like other pests, but they can still cause considerable damage from above. Every vehicle owner has dealt with the nuisance of bird droppings, and while they may seem harmless, they’re far from it.
Types of Bird Damage:
- Paint corrosion: Bird droppings have an acidity rating between 3.5 and 4.5 pH, which can eat away at your car’s paint. If left untreated, the damage can become permanent, particularly under the heat of the sun.
How to Prevent Bird Damage:
- Park smart: Avoid parking beneath trees, building edges, or other areas frequented by birds. Aim for covered parking spaces or garages. If forced to store your vehicle outside for an extended time, use a vehicle cover.
- Clean up quickly: Use a soft cloth and some water or mild cleaning solution to avoid scratching your car. The sooner, the better.
- Waxing: Occasionally waxing your car will give you an added layer of protection against bird droppings and other debris.

4. Ants
The smallest of all the pests, ants never fail to outperform expectations. Drawn to food crumbs and drink spills, ants will march right into your vehicle and invite the rest of their colony. Once inside, they can be a pain to remove, causing a surprising amount of damage.
Types of Ant Damage:
- Electrical damage: Like rodents, ants will chew through electrical wires. But when shocked, they release alarm pheromones that call more ants to the location to be electrocuted. The large mass of dead ants can cause a short circuit.
- Infestations: Where there is one ant, there are a thousand. An infestation can quickly grow out of hand, moving from your car to your garage and eventually your house.
- Contamination: Ants in your car could mean ants in your grocery bags, your lunch boxes, or any other food you bring into your vehicle, making them unsafe to consume.
How to Prevent Ant Damage:
- Avoid eating in the car: Eating or drinking in the car is inherently a little messy. And the bits and pieces that might fall down between your center console or under your seat are sure to attract ants.
- Wipe down everything: Ants leave pheromone trails that communicate with the rest of their colony. If you’ve had an ant problem before, it’s important that you deep clean your whole car to rid their tracks.
- Move your car: If ants have stumbled upon your car, it’s probably because there’s an ant hill or colony somewhere close. If you don’t move your car, they’re likely to keep coming back.
5. Raccoons
Not only are raccoons extremely intelligent, but they’re opportunistic scavengers who are very good at getting into places they shouldn’t. It’s not just trash bins. Raccoons will absolutely find their way into your car if they believe there are snacks to be discovered.
Types of Raccoon Damage
- Interior damage: Raccoons that manage to get inside your car may damage your upholstery, seats, and carpeting in their attempts to escape, causing massive damage. Not to mention the inevitable droppings they leave behind.
- Exterior damage: Raccoons are smart creatures with sharp teeth and dexterous paws. If they sense food inside your car, they can attempt to scratch and claw their way in, leading to costly damage to your vehicle’s paint and trim.
How to Prevent Raccoon Damage:
- Eliminate food sources: Scraps and wrappers inside the car are obvious, but it’s also important to remove pet food or trash bins from the parking area so as to keep the raccoons from scavenging nearby.
- Secure your garage: Parking your car inside the garage may not be enough. Raccoons can squeeze through surprisingly small holes and gaps. Give a good inspection and seal any openings you find.
- Use deterrents: As they are nocturnal animals, raccoons have been known to avoid motion-activated lights and sonic noise devices. Natural deterrents such as peppermint oils, ammonia, cayenne pepper, and coyote oil have also shown positive effects.

Protect Your Vehicle During Long-Term Storage
The threat of pests grows larger the longer your vehicle remains in storage. It’s important that you take proper precaution if planning to keep your car off the road for an extended period of time. A Box-Kat mouse barrier is a great place to start, but here’s our full guide on how you can properly prepare your vehicle for long-term storage.