Justin Magill, technician at Coulter Car Care, said at least two of every five cars the auto shop sees on a daily basis show evidence of mice having lived, or still living, inside.

In this area, and at this time of the year, it’s a common problem. 

“The mice are going to do what mice are going to do,” he said, adding “We see it all the time.”

The shop won’t clean cars infested with mice, as it “can take hours” and isn’t a guarantee of success. They will, however, provide tips on how to keep mice out and how to get them out if they’ve already set up shop. 

“As far as mice go, there’s not much you can do, but there are remedies they say will work,” he said. 

There are companies that sell a device that hooks up to the vehicle’s battery and emits an ultrasonic sound that claims to scare mice away, Magill said.

You can also get a potpourri together with peppermint — mice hate peppermint — or spread some dryer sheets around the vehicle.

But it’s a tough battle this time of the year especially, because as the weather cools, mice are looking for warmth, which is why homeowners deal with them more this time of year as well as car owners. 

“This time of year they’re looking for a place to hide in, find a place to nest,” Magill said. “They’re going to get in everything you can think of.”

With vehicles, he said, they’ll generally climb up the tires and go straight for a warm spot and an air box is perfect for them.

Mice will also hang out in the valleys beneath the intake, and they’ll often rip apart air filters to make nests. 

The issue with having mice, besides the general unhealthiness of how they live, from droppings to disease, is that they will often chew wires. 

“For whatever reason they like to chew on the wires, chew on the coating,” he said. 

This led to a big issue for Tesla when the company was shipping out vehicles early in the life of the company. The problem, Magill recalled, was that the coating for the wires was soy based, and the mice loved it. 

“They had to recall cars because mice were going in and lighting the cars on fire,” he said. 

Keeping a clean car can help as mice like trash, dirt and clutter. Of course, even that doesn’t always work — Magill has seen mice move in to new vehicles. 

“The best thing you can do is keep an eye on it,” he said. 

Ways to remove mice from a car from critterstop.com:

Trapping Methods

There are both live trap and classic killing trap options available. 

Proper baiting techniques are essential to increase the chances of capturing the mouse. Peanut butter or nesting material are effective bait to lure the mouse into the trap. It is paramount to place the traps where mice are likely to hide, like in the trunk or under the seats. 

Using Natural Repellents

Introducing smells that deter mice, such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper, can help keep them away. Homemade repellent recipes are also available, such as mixing peppermint oil with water and spraying it in your car.

Application of natural repellents should be done carefully to avoid damaging your car’s interior. It is important to test the repellent on a small area first to make sure it does not cause any damage. Also, make sure to reapply the repellent regularly to maintain its effectiveness.

Ultrasonic Devices

Ultrasonic traps emit high-frequency sound waves crafted to repel mice. They work by creating an unpleasant environment for mice, making them want to leave. Ultrasonic devices are safe for humans and pets and do not use any harmful chemicals.

Effectiveness of ultrasonic devices can vary depending on the size of your car and the number of mice present. It is important to place the device in an area where it can cover the entire car. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.