Need someone to check under the hood for rodents (Scottsdale: fit in, insurance)

[fluffythewondercat]

This is in Scottsdale.

I have an MB Sprinter van. In seven years we haven't had chewed wiring harnesses or anything as far as I know, but the van won't fit in our garage, alas. I need someone who can do a thorough inspection to determine any damage and recommend remedies.

Thanks,
fLufF
--

[Voebe]

Wait - if you're the Wonder Cat, wouldn't you be doing your own rodent check?

[Bondurant]

Your preferred mechanic?

[fluffythewondercat]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Your preferred mechanic?

I'm not sure Mercedes-Benz dabbles in rodents.

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

I'm not sure Mercedes-Benz dabbles in rodents.

It is a sprinter not a MB. Open the hood, issue an eviction policy. keep your property rodent free.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

This is in Scottsdale.

I have an MB Sprinter van. In seven years we haven't had chewed wiring harnesses or anything as far as I know, but the van won't fit in our garage, alas. I need someone who can do a thorough inspection to determine any damage and recommend remedies.

Thanks,
fLufF
--

If it was me:
1. I would be starting the van often (even without driving it). Maybe 3-4 times a week. Maybe even move it up and down the driveway. Ask a mechanic if you should drive it more as there is a potential that small brief starts are not ideal. Not sure...

2. I would apply some deterrent. They sell sprays for this. Personally, in our MN storage pole barn, mice absolutely LOVE to sneak in. I use "Bounce" brand fabric softener/antistatic sheets. Don't buy generic. With over 20 years of history, I can guarantee Bounce sheets factually work. One year, I didn't put Bounce under my lawn mower in my pole barn. They had a nest under the hood. Read https://rvblogger.com/blog/do-dryer-...el%20a%20mouse. As in, I wrap 20 sheets in our huge boat lift canopy, I've used it under the hood our riding lawnmower, etc. Replace the Bounce sheets when they no longer smell which is measured in multi-months. ANOTHER deterrent is mothballs. They smell SO strong you can put them inside of a ziploc. Maybe 5 of them in a small bag. Only under the hood as you will stink up your camper. My pole building is 54x90'. Mice, squirless, etc LOVE to go inside. Think a couple hundred of them. I have countless traps that I set every Fall as well as poison galore. I catch 50 mice annually, and effortlessly. Anything important with Bounce sheets is 100% safe!

3. Buy some rat poison and put 4 traps around the perimeter of your home. The "poison" I use is called Selontra. See https://pestcontrol.basf.us/products...dent-bait.html and put it in a plastic feeder. It's ingenious! It's patented with a concentration of Vitamin D. And rats overdose and die from Vitamin D. Yet your pets can eat one and the birds can eat the dead rats and are unphased by it. Our pest control person we hired locally uses it. We are near wide open spaces and had a lot of rat holes around the house. Selontra works extremely well as they gobble it up. Now, they eat much less as most are dead and the holes are disappearing.

Between disrupting nesting by starting the car a few times a week, adding Bounce under the hood and in your van, and poisoning the rats, statistically speaking, you won't have any problems. Though I would personally just use several Bounce sheets and call it a day (versus starting it up and moving it which also works).

[meekawal]

Take it to your mechanic as soon as possible. MB should take care of this. Very common in a lot of cars. I had that happen to me and motor damage was over $5,000. If there is any damage, call your insurance company. Luckily, my damage was covered.

[Rakin]

When I'm not driving my RV for awhile I drop several bags of Mothballs under the hood and throughout the home to keep out rodents.

Just remember to remove them when you use the vehicle.

[fluffythewondercat]

Those all sound like good ideas.

Unfortunately, a rat (or rats) got inside the van and trashed the interior looking for food. I haven't been able to drive the van since that happened, so I have no transportation.

I know it's hard in this economy and prices are ridiculous but I need to buy a used car. I was actually looking at a SMART car four months ago...I should have bought it, just to have a spare.

Any tips?

[Greenvalleyfan]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

Those all sound like good ideas.

Unfortunately, a rat (or rats) got inside the van and trashed the interior looking for food. I haven't been able to drive the van since that happened, so I have no transportation.

I know it's hard in this economy and prices are ridiculous but I need to buy a used car. I was actually looking at a SMART car four months ago...I should have bought it, just to have a spare.

Any tips?

Wondercat, a little tip for your next purchase. Don't leave any Meow Mix or other cat food in the vehicle. Also, gum, mints or any candy etc. This will attract rodents. No food, no rodents. It's really that simple. Of course if you don’t drive it for a month or so the little varmints might think you left it for them to live in. It does happen.