How to Keep Pests Away From Your Car

Back in 2017, a woman named Shirley Taylor experienced a living nightmare. A swarm of 20,000 bees descended upon her Nissan Juke while it was parked outside her home. The infestation was so severe that it had to be cleared up by the Beverley Beekeepers’ Association. It’s thought that the queen was stuck in the bonnet, and her loyal workers rallied around her. Of course, this is an extreme scenario. But many cars can become infested with similar unwanted visitors.

Insects are everywhere. Because of their size, they can get into your car via many different entry points. If your pet spends time in your car, they can carry fleas and other parasites which can live on your car’s interiors. Creepy crawlies are the least of your worries though. Rodents can also get into your car through the exhaust pipe. They are attracted to warm areas, such as the engine. This means you must be extra cautious during spells of cold weather. The worst case scenario is that a pest lays eggs or sets up a nest in your car – then you’ve got a real problem on your hands.

Luckily, there are certain measures you can take to reduce the risk of an infestation. Here’s what you can do to keep pests at bay.

1. Watch where you park

If possible, park indoors. This limits the chance that larger pests will invade your car. If you need to park outside, do so away from food sources like garbage bins. These are breeding grounds for unwanted pests, so always keep your distance. Also try to avoid parking your car close to tall grass, where insects are rampant.

2. Practice good vehicle hygiene

The best way to prevent a pest problem is by keeping your car clean. Don’t allow rubbish to build up inside. Insects and other invaders are attracted to garbage, so taking it out of the equation is half the battle. If you drive a public vehicle, make sure to remove any trash left behind after each trip. Use a vacuum cleaner and disinfectant to get rid of the remnants that aren’t so easy to spot. If you can, try and limit how much you eat inside your car. Crumbs can collect in the carpet and between the seats. Spillages can cause lasting odours. Pests can detect even the smallest amounts of food, so it’s best to avoid food in the car altogether.

3. Go organic

Citronella-based insect repellents are very effective for roaches in particular. They hate the smell. Eucalyptus is another natural solution that deters pests.

Remember: prevention is always better than the cure. It’s much easier, and cheaper, to take measures to prevent an infestation than to clear one up. In extreme cases, you might even have to call an exterminator. Avoid this by keeping your car clean and away from pest hot-spots. And most importantly, make sure your windows are closed.

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