Winter Storage, keeping the mice away!

[buckeyensx]

I would like to hear from other primers if they do anything with their cars to keep the mice away. I will be storing my NSX in an unheated garage for the first time this winter and am worried about mice chewing up wiring, hoses, etc. . I had a car once that they chewed up an expensive wiring harness over the winter. I have used moth balls in the past, but was hoping for a better idea as I do not want the car smelling like moth balls next spring. I have also heard using dryer fabric softener sheets. Any better ideas?

 

[nsxtasy]

They shouldn't be able to get into the interior, since it's enclosed, so your concern is with the rest of the car.

I've never had a problem with mice in my unheated, standalone garage. Probably because it's too cold for them in the winter. Indoors, I've occasionally had a few in my basement; the old-fashioned mousetraps, baited with peanut butter, work well. If you're worried, I'd put a few of those in your garage. Don't forget to check them occasionally.

 

[RSO 34]

Don't leave your cheese sandwich on the passenger seat.

 

[liftnot]

I used moth balls and it helps a lot. Its cheap (Walmart), stinks, & toxic so some ventilation is nice to have. otherwise, peppermint oil works too & its not toxic but i don;t know how much it cost. Mice do chew wiring, plastic,.etc...so put it where they have room to stand.

 

[buckeyensx]

I think I will buy a second NSX, cover it with cheese and peanut butter, and park it next to my "nice" NSX. It can then serve as my sacrificial lamb. Good idea?

 

[Stephen@NCAutoUSA]

I've read dryer sheets work wonders too.

 

[TURBO2GO]

Make sure you put the HVAC in recirculate mode.

 

[buckeyensx]

Great tip about the recirculate mode. I would not have thought of that. Thank you TURBO2GO

 

[JZ TWINS]

One of my Supra's had a couple of pieces of rubber chewed under the hood by mice. At a show earlier this year, someone said to use Irish Spring soap. I have used it so far and no problems. I bought an 8 pack and have a couple of bars placed throughout my engine bays (open box ends but leave soap inside). Always remember to take them out before you drive.

 

[Old Guy]

I store my vehicle in an unheated facility. It is in a rural area and there definitely are mice about even though the owner has several 'mousers' on patrol. Most of the other vehicle owners in the facility use scented Bounce dryer sheets to deter the mice. I store my car in a Car Jacket with desiccant inside the bag as I want to avoid the rusting (brake discs and other stuff) that results from condensation forming on cold metal during ambient temperature swings. I have used the Car Jacket for 3 years now and have never had a mouse problem inside the bag or car, although we found a dead mouse under the bag when taking it out of storage this spring. The Car Jacket bag isn't thick or tough enough to stop a mouse from chewing through it so I am guessing that they must find the material unappealing, or I have just been lucky.

 

[blue_myriddn]

Try these: http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Cab-Rodent-Repellent-Pouch/dp/B0021LWPPY

I use them in my basement as I have dogs and dont' want to use poison and they work fairly well. Unlike mothballs, the scent is pleasant.

 

[BATMANs]

Not sure if the NSX is considered a classic car in OH by Hagerty or AAA.

If it is I would just insure it as a classic car with an agreed value set at $100k and if Mighty Mouse did do his number then well...... I'll let you think about that....

 

[tof]

Get a cat.

Guaranteed.

 

[BATMANs]

paint scratch

 

[tof]

car cover > cat claws