The Best Rodent Repellent for Cars

Tips and products to help keep your vehicle rodent-free.

I’ve been driving cars in the city for years, and I know all about the frustration of having rodents in your car. These critters love to nest in car engines – they’ll climb up into your car vents, and then crawl into the warmth of your engine where they’ll happily chew on your wiring and nibble away at anything else they can destroy.

How to keep rodents out of your car

So how do you protect your car from rodents? The best thing you can do is get yourself one of the best rodent repellents for cars. These repellents are easy to install under your hood and will save you tons of time and money (really!). I’ve tried a lot of different repellents and my favorite is the Loraffe battery-operated mouse repellent—its wiring is simple and safe for your car, and you don’t have to do much else afterward.

What is the best rodent repellent for cars?

When it comes to choosing a good rodent repellent for cars you have the option of sprays, mouse mixes, or ultrasonic devices (that emit harsh sounds to keep mice out of cars). Here are other top products for keeping mice out of cars.

• Top rodent deterrent spray for cars: Mighty Mint
• Best rodent repellent for long-term parking: Moen’s Mouse-mix Pest Deterrent
• Best under hood ultrasonic rodent repellent: Loraffe mouse repellent for car engine

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How Do Mice Get into Cars?

Rodents aren’t just an outdoor problem – they can get into your car even if it’s parked inside a garage- unless the garage is completely sealed. They’ll crawl up from under the engine and get in via pedal shafts, shafts, the steering columns, or even the holes around cables.

The best rodent repellent for car engines review

Grandpa Gus mice and rat repellent for cars

This mouse repellent from Grandpa Gus’s works by releasing a peppermint and cinnamon scent that is repulsive to rodents. It’s easy to use: simply open the resealable bag and place it in areas where you suspect mice may be entering your car. The all-natural formula uses ingredients from essential oils, so you can feel confident knowing you’re not introducing any harmful chemicals into your car or RV. And if you’re worried about this product is too strong for your nose (the cinnamon smell might be a little intense), go for the spray version – Grandpa Gus’s rodent repellent spray for cars

Loraffe Ultrasonic Under Hood Rodent Repeller

These ultrasonic rodent repellents emit high-frequency sound waves that are intolerable to rodents, forcing them out. Some have LED strobe lights that target the rodent’s eyesight to create a hostile environment under the bonnet. This Amazon top seller is super easy to use and is highly effective in preventing mouse invasion. When it comes to a power source, Loraffe has plenty of options, including the  Loraffe 12-24V wired under hood rodent reterrent and the Loraffe battery-powered ultrasonic rodent repellent for cars that uses 3 AA/ 2 C batteries.  

Why we like it

• Easy to install under the hood
• Option of car battery operated (12-24V) or wireless (3 AA batteries) ultrasonic rodent repellent for cars
• Also useful in garage, attic, basement, warehouse, barn

Note:  You’re going to need some sort of fastening (like zip ties) to attach the device under the car hood

Mighty Mint Rodent Repellent Spray for Cars

This rat spray for car engines emits a powerful minty smell that sends mice and rats packing. Made from non-toxic peppermint oil, the rat repellent spray for cars is safe to use around pets and family members, and its minty scent is pleasant to humans. Easy to use and highly effective in deterring mice and rats from your RV, boat, or car engine.

Moen’s rat repellent for car

If you often store your car or RV for extended periods, then this mice deterrent for cars is your best bet. The mouse-mix comes with 18 baggies that are to be placed around the problem areas. Punch holes in the bags to release the odor that is super repulsive to the rodents and will drive them out. One container of this best mouse repellent will treat an average-size basement, a 2-car garage, or a 30-foot camper/RV.

Features:

• All-natural rodent deterrent good keeping mice out of the stored car
• Has a clean peppermint scent
• Super easy to use – simply place bags under the hood or in problem areas

Fresh Cab Car Rodent Repellent

If you have a rodent problem in your car and don’t want to use traps or chemicals, with Fresh cab car rodent repellent is a great alternative. The product comes with eight scent pouches that repel rodents naturally – simply place the pouches throughout your vehicle, then keep replacing the packs every 30 days until you’re sure the critters have left for good! The scent is a pleasant, clean mint that simply fades over time, so you know when it’s time to replace the pack.

Features:

• Comes with 4 or 12 scent pouches
• Safe for children, pets, and the environment when used as directed.
• Packs are clean, easy to use, and last up to 30 days.

 You might also like: Victor Scent-Away a breathable natural rodent deterrent (pack of five) whose strong peppermint is repulsive to rodents (not humans). Each pack lasts a couple of weeks.

Exterminators Choice rat and mice repellent

This rat spray for cars is very effective in repulsing unwanted critters but is harmless to pets or small children. To apply, simply spray the peppermint and rosemary essential oils formula on your problem areas like the engine compartment, wheel wells, and even the tailpipe. The odor is minty and quite strong, but not unpleasant. Initially, you want to spray the rodent deterrent daily for 5-7 days to get rid of the rodents, and then reapply routinely to keep mice out of cars.

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The best way to keep mice away from car

• Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a sealed garage, and keep the doors closed. Be sure to leave no opening in your car by locking your windows, doors, and sunroof all the way to deter rodents. If you have to park outside, keep away from rodent-friendly places such as near trash bins, foliage, or natural food sources, such as vegetable gardens.
• Keep your car junk-free. Paper, straw, rags, and cushions provide the best environment for the rodents to feed, rest, and breed.  Do not leave food wrappings, crumbs, water, or any garbage in your car. The best way to deter rodents is to eliminate the food, shelter, and water they need.
• The next time you move the car, honk your horn before you start the engine. This way, any animals that may be in or under your car will scurry away

Comparison of the Best Rat Repellent for Car

Top rodent repellent brands	Type	Package
Mighty Mint Rodent Repellent Spray for Cars	Spray	8oz
Loraffe Under Hood Rodent Deterrent	Battery-powered	12v/24v battery or Cordless 3AA battery powered options
Exterminators Choice rat and mice repellent	Spray	32oz
Moen’s Mouse-mix All-Natural rat repellent for car	Mouse mix	18 zip loc bags
Fresh Cab Car Rodent Repellent	Scent bag	8 bags
Grandpa Gus mice and rat repellent for cars	Scent bag and spray	16 Oz (spray) or 10 Pouches options

What to Check in Your Car for Rodent Damage

If you’re worried that your vehicle might have become a rodent’s nest, there are things to look out for besides the obvious evidence of mice-like droppings and claw marks. First things first: do a full inspection of your vehicle for signs of rodent damage. These include:

• Signs of rodents chewing car wires or gnawing electrical wiring
• Signs of chewed upholstery and insulation: rodents use loose insulation and fabric for nesting.
• Chewed plastic components or rubber hoses in the engine compartment are another common sign
• Check for shredded gauze near the air conditioning vents.

If you find any of these signs, you should get rid of the rodents immediately. Not only do they damage your car, but rodents also carry diseases and can cause health problems for people and pets. So next time you’re having trouble getting your car started in the morning, check for rodent damage before you call for roadside assistance — you might save yourself some time and money by dealing with this common problem yourself.  

Also read: 5 Best LED Trunk Lights for Cars & Choosing the best dehumidifier for your garage or workshop