Rodents and Insects are notorious for getting into tight and hard-to-reach places due to their small size. This is why a vehicle is prone to having quite a big bug and pest problem. Insects can range from Spiders, Fleas, Roaches, and Ants. All of which are bugs nobody wants to find inside of their travel vehicle.  

Even worst, having a pest or rodent problem can make things even worse. Let’s jump into our steps for how to pest control your car so you can get rid of any type of insect or rodent problem for good.  

How to be a Car Bug Exterminator

The first step to being a professional bug killer for cars is to vacuum the entire car.  You want to make sure that the vacuum is high-powered so that you can vacuum all food scraps, garbage, and any visible bugs such as adult fleas, lice, ants, etc.  

The next step is to use the same high-powered vacuum on the exterior of the vehicle. Make sure you get all leaves and dirt that are collected around the exterior hood and trunk of the vehicle.  This prevents giving the bugs a place to lay eggs. 

Once you are finished vacuuming, you can get a wet rag that is mixed with Vinegar and water and wash down surfaces inside of your vehicle.  This can be used to kill any Fleas or lice.  

Finally, for the inside of your vehicle, spray a lemon-scented cleaner and wipe down the surfaces again.  This will scare off spiders and other bugs.  In terms of the exterior of your vehicle, you should give it a nice wash to remove any larvae, or eggs that are stuck to your vehicle. 

What about Insecticide?

The insecticide should be used as a last resort, and you want to make sure that you are using a water-based insecticide for cars. That way you don’t damage any electronics parts of your vehicle. 

Spray the insecticide into all suspected areas of infestation.  Once you are done spray, make sure you close all of your doors and windows and give some time for the insecticide to go to work. 

Once time has passed, make sure you air out your vehicle before going into it and driving.  

It is also worth noting that there are organic insect repellants made from Citronella and even Citronella air fresheners that can be great at getting rid of cockroaches. If you want to go for a more natural approach to removing bugs from your vehicle with insecticide.  

Car Pest Control: Rodents

If you think insects in your vehicle are bad, then you will want to avoid getting a rodent infestation. Mice are disease-ridden and dirty, not only that, but they will destroy your vehicle’s furniture and wiring.  Did we mention that they smell horrible when they die in a vent?

Mice get into your vehicle through your air vents, pedal shafts, steering columns.  It is very easy for a mouse to squeeze its way through any small opening. Mice can appear in your vehicle at any time of the year, but especially during the winter months, to escape the cold.  

The best way to avoid having mice or rodents inside of your vehicle is to keep your vehicle clean. Always throw away food, garbage, paper, or junk.  Don’t give mice a single opportunity to make your vehicle home.  

You always want to keep condensation out of your vehicle whenever possible.  Mice and rodents are attracted to wet areas because of water. If your vehicle constantly has condensation build-up.  You might have a problem with your vehicle and it should be inspected by a mechanic.  

If you are unsure if a rodent is living inside of your vehicle, you should check around for chewed on wires around the engine, chewed up insulation, claw markings, and rodent droppings around the inside and engine of your vehicle.  

If you come to the conclusion that there are mice or rodents inside of your vehicle, the quickest and fastest method is to set up mouse traps inside of your vehicle and leave it overnight to see if you manage to capture one or a few.  

If you do kill a mouse, make sure you dispose of it properly and wear gloves.  

Above all else, 

If you have a pest or insect problem in your vehicle, there is a high chance that your vehicle could be at risk of a malfunction or vehicular breakdown.  This might be because of a rodent, pest, or insect that has chewed or destroyed an important component of your vehicle, such as an engine.  

Having an extended auto warranty with DriveSmart could save you thousands of dollars on repair costs and mechanic labor in the event that a pest has destroyed a component of your vehicle. 

Written by: Stephen Lubas