The rodent thing is an issue here in N. California. I had some critter eat some of the insulation under my hood. Even though our winters are milder here, we still get below freezing over night. The guy who does my smog checks says he sees this all the time! Blech!!
I can't remember who, but I know it happened to someone I know here in CA. My dad used to buy & sell used cars for a living and he told me it happens all the time everywhere. It's just part of nature. Glad your parents' car is getting fixed, hopefully it wasn't too expensive of a repair!
This happened to my husband... noticed a gross smell in the car. Turns out not only were critters nesting under the hood, but they were dragging dog food into the car to munch on, too. So, it was actually the food that was so stinky. In this case he ended up thoroughly cleaning out the dog food from the car and removing the food source from the garage and they didn't return. But I think he also had some pest repellant he put in the garage. Tractor Supply can be a good resource for that.
Oh, that has TOTALLY happened to me. Street parking in NYC in the winter, always a joy (and an adventure).
I did a lot of research/trial and error, and the two things that seem to be working for me thus far are two "ultrasonic rodent repellers" (battery operated) and a small laundry bag filled with all-natural rodent repellent made with peppermint oils, etc. Every time I want to go for a drive, I pop the hood, remove the two devices and laundry bag with natural scent stuffs and stick them in an airtight container in my trunk. Then hand sanitize, hand sanitize, hand sanitize. lol.
Sorry about the car. I have a car in storage and the rule is to stuff the tailpipe with steel wool to prevent guests. Also having worked in conservation, is there more building construction happening in your parents’ area or deforestation?
The rodent thing is an issue here in N. California. I had some critter eat some of the insulation under my hood. Even though our winters are milder here, we still get below freezing over night. The guy who does my smog checks says he sees this all the time! Blech!!
A mouse family set themselves up in my parent's car which was parked in the garage in CT. They are using repellant pouches to deter them! https://www.amazon.com/BugMD-Vamoose-Repellent-Deterrent-Non-Toxic/dp/B09RKHWRKZ
It happened to me on the Upper East Side one winter!
This has happened to people I know here in Los Angeles!! Totally horrifying but completely normal!
I can't remember who, but I know it happened to someone I know here in CA. My dad used to buy & sell used cars for a living and he told me it happens all the time everywhere. It's just part of nature. Glad your parents' car is getting fixed, hopefully it wasn't too expensive of a repair!
Oh yeah, this happened to my sister and she lives in sub-tropical Auckland, not a cold climate at all 🤣
This happened to my husband... noticed a gross smell in the car. Turns out not only were critters nesting under the hood, but they were dragging dog food into the car to munch on, too. So, it was actually the food that was so stinky. In this case he ended up thoroughly cleaning out the dog food from the car and removing the food source from the garage and they didn't return. But I think he also had some pest repellant he put in the garage. Tractor Supply can be a good resource for that.
Happened to my mother’s car in Ohio! The mechanic suggested putting drier sheets under the hood
Oh, that has TOTALLY happened to me. Street parking in NYC in the winter, always a joy (and an adventure).
I did a lot of research/trial and error, and the two things that seem to be working for me thus far are two "ultrasonic rodent repellers" (battery operated) and a small laundry bag filled with all-natural rodent repellent made with peppermint oils, etc. Every time I want to go for a drive, I pop the hood, remove the two devices and laundry bag with natural scent stuffs and stick them in an airtight container in my trunk. Then hand sanitize, hand sanitize, hand sanitize. lol.
Rodent Repeller Devices: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K2VZNCV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All-Natural Rodent Repellent (1): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WCL4STF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All-Natural Rodent Repellent (2): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HTZLAG6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Small Laundry Bag (to Hold the Repellent): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XSM1F5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sorry about the car. I have a car in storage and the rule is to stuff the tailpipe with steel wool to prevent guests. Also having worked in conservation, is there more building construction happening in your parents’ area or deforestation?