Rodent Screen Installation DIY

[andrewleader]

Did anyone have a mouse get into their truck that did NOT get through the cabin air filter?

We had a mouse eat the bread in the cab of our 2024 Tacoma, but our cabin air filter in the glove box is perfectly intact...

I don't think we left the doors open long enough for one to happen to just get in through the doors... wondering if anyone's seen any other access points?

Sponsored

 

[rijc99]

Firewall driver side there is a rubber grommet that people usually cut to run wires to the aux switches. Also the exhaust vents in the rear of the cab between the cab and bed.

 

[andrewleader]

Firewall driver side there is a rubber grommet that people usually cut to run wires to the aux switches. Also the exhaust vents in the rear of the cab between the cab and bed.

It was the exhaust vents in the rear of the cab (behind the rear seats and behind the plastic behind that). I’ll make a video soon, but here’s some photos in the meantime… everyone has to patch these! The vent flaps are SOFT RUBBER, they don’t even have to chew through them, they can just push right through with no resistance!

 

[rijc99]

Glad you found the intrusion point. Maybe a wire mesh cover from the inside would work?

 

[andrewleader]

Yep I just finished putting that on this morning! 1/4" hardware cloth, secured with zip ties that weave underneath the exterior clips to keep it secure!

 

[andrewleader]

I made a whole walk-through video of sealing those rear cabin pressure release vents I mentioned above that the mice got in through in my truck! If you camp or park in trailheads overnight, it's worth doing this before they get in!

 

[ilie]

Pard me, stupid questions are allowed here. Is the truck park inside the garage, driveway, or like mine in the street. I had my wife's wires messed up inside the garage. Deal with these with about $2500.00 at the friendly Volvo dealer. Ever since I sleep well knowing mine is in the street. I understand on a farm environment; in my town we only have concrete and asphalt.

 

[Cabby30]

Driveway in the mountains for me

 

[rijc99]

Im in So.Cal in a city and I see mice and rats darting across streets, coming out of drains, etc so I don’t think thats going to fully save you. They are more likely to run along walls or gutters so I park on my driveway with my engine pointed away from the garage door in hopes they don’t sense the warm engine during colder months.

 

[Mercedes]

Pard me, stupid questions are allowed here. Is the truck park inside the garage, driveway, or like mine in the street. I had my wife's wires messed up inside the garage. Deal with these with about $2500.00 at the friendly Volvo dealer. Ever since I sleep well knowing mine is in the street. I understand on a farm environment; in my town we only have concrete and asphalt.

Living in the suburbs, I think the chances of your vehicles being accessed outside are lessened, but still there. A still warm engine compartment makes for a nice overnight crash pad. If the vehicle rests for several days in one spot, so much the better for them.

Many varmints have to routinely chew on things to maintain their teeth. It doesn't help that modern vehicle wiring systems use soy-based insulation; they're perfect for teething.

For the unfamiliar or those in new surroundings, some thoughts and tips which have helped me:

If outside, try not to park in the same spot each time. Try not to stay in one place for an extended period.

Access to the garage is almost as easy as outside. Garage doors are opened and closed, often on schedule. Some homes have dryer vents that exit a side wall low to the ground; the vent tubing could be plastic or vinyl and easily chewed-through. Or the home has vinyl siding, insulating paper and plywood which can be accessed quickly. Or a crawl space.

For the instances I've read of or been involved in, those situations have had at least one of the following elements:

- Protection from the weather. Some form of cover
- A food source. Dry food stored in the garage, pet bowls, fruit trees
- Excess clothing or other materials which could be used for bedding
- A settled vibe. Things that aren't moved much, loud noises or other disturbances

For garages and enclosed locations:

- Remove all sources of food from the immediate area
- Remove anything which could be used as a nest
- Mice like to run along walls, not in the open. Place traps or poison here. Refresh as necessary
- Mice don't like intense smells. Use of mints and dryer sheets can help. Yes, under the hood to
- If in a garage, leave the lights on
- Leave the hood up. Mice like working undercover.
- Routinely patrol the area, bang on and move things

Some of these steps might not be practical or be unnecessary for some. It depends. Someone with a garage and a Daily Driver, a few tips could be useful. Someone storing a vehicle for Winter, all could be worthwhile. Small children and pets will determine if traps or bait will be considered.

Sponsored