How to Keep Rodents Out of Engine Compartment and Vehicle Interior

Updated 07/15/2025 | Published 05/17/2024

Question:

Hello I am about to store my van outdoors for three months or more. Is there a product that discourages rodents from getting up inside the engine compartment or inside the vehicle and chewing things? I already have a cover ...

asked by: Chris

Expert Reply:

I have used mothballs in the past for the engine compartment but that is hit or miss and you have to keep up with them. My uncle lives out in the woods and he has tried just about everything. The only thing he has had decent luck with is keeping the hood popped open on any vehicle he doesn't drive frequently so rodents can't hide in there. However, his vehicles sit under a car port so they're still protected and this really wouldn't work with a cover on. Eventually he got a cat which was the only lasting solution.

Some people say peppermint oil or Irish spring soap will keep them away but I don't have any experience with this. There are also some battery powered strobes that can be installed assuming they last long enough. It is important to make sure you clean it out so you don't have anything attracting them to your van. We don't really carry anything to deter rodents unless they can read in which case you could use these Keep Out Labels # 36946175.

expert reply by: Robin H

Rina P.

7/14/2025

Well.... Those pesky varmits chewed the Keep Out Labels!!! :) One of the campers at my camp site said they eat their wiring and I have had two issues that may or may not be related to squirrels. I didn't have them prior to living in the RV park. Someone told me that it depends on what the wiring is made of. Not sure of that either. I do know that if a cover can be made for trees to keep birds and deer away, there is possibly something that could be draped from the windshield wipers over the engine and back under the tires to help keep them out of the engine compartment? Sound like a fantasy? Maybe but if it works out to be a good idea, I will test run it for you. Lol.

Robin H.

7/15/2025

@RinaP I really thought the labels might work, that is unfortunate. It really does depend on the wiring, they can't resist some of that insulation. A cover might help. If you had that over the top and up under, then added in the mothballs or something like it underneath, it might do the trick. Animals are pretty determined to get what they want and have nothing better to do so it is difficult to stop. We now carry the MouseBlocker PROx Electronic Rodent Deterrent # MB94FR. This uses ultrasonic sound and flshing lights to run them off, works off a 12V battery. I don't have any experience with it since it is new but it is probably worth a shot.