When it comes time to put your car or truck in storage, the last thing you'd want is for rodents to take over while you're gone. A rodent infestation can do a number on your vehicle's interior, which is why you want to take steps to keep mice, rats, and other vermin at bay.

Keep Your Vehicle Food-Free 

Rats and mice not only search for comfortable places to nest, but they also seek out food. Before placing your vehicle in storage, it's a good idea to thoroughly vacuum your car's interior and remove all crumbs, empty containers, and just about anything else that could possibly contain bits and pieces of food. Don't forget to check in between and underneath seat cushions for leftover food.

Deter Rodents with Odors

A rodent's sense of smell is much sharper than that of any human being, allowing them to detect complex odors and chemical signals within those odors. As luck would have it, there are plenty of smells that rodents steer clear of. These odors can be put to good use as deterrence against rodent infestation.

Peppermint oil is one such odor you can use as a deterrent. You can also use mothballs, but the odor tends to be unpleasant even to most human beings. Rats and mice also stay clear of hairs belonging to potential predators, including dogs and human beings.

Cedar oil is another potential repellent for mice and rats. Cedar wood, on the other hand, doesn't work so well as a deterrent. Although rats and mice aren't repelled by cedar wood, the aromatic hydrocarbons found in the wood can cause liver damage in rodents.

Block Potential Access Points

Air intakes and open wheel well vents are prime access locations for rats and other rodents. You may be able to block these access points by draping a metal mesh screen over these areas. It's also a good idea to tape up your exhaust outlet to deny your unwanted guests.

You can also create a tall barrier out of thin aluminum sheeting around each wheel. Mice and rats won't be able to grip and climb the metal barrier, making it effective at keeping rodents at bay.

Consider Using an Ultrasonic Pest Repellent

In some cases, a pest repeller capable of generating ultrasonic sounds can be effective at keeping rodents at bay. Unfortunately, the effects may only be temporary, since rodents can acclimate themselves to the sound with long-term use. It's usually best to use ultrasonic pest repellents in conjunction with glue traps to decrease and discourage the rodent population.