Some days, you just need to stop and get fast food on the way home. Other days, the only parking spot at work is right under a tree. Pests find their way into vehicles for many reasons. When you’re in your car, bugs and rodents are usually out of sight and out of mind. Once they do find their way in, removing them can be a challenge. Here’s what we recommend:
Start with an Inspection
Figure out what pests are in your car and where they’re hiding. Search all the nooks and crannies and hard-to-reach areas. Common hiding places include spaces between seats, around the console, in the glovebox and in the trunk. Lift your floor mats to make sure no pests are making a home under them. If you’re worried about a rodent issue, check under your hood. Gently knock first so neither you or the creature is startled when you open it up. Different pests require slightly different treatments, so it’s crucial to make sure you know what kinds of pests are in your car.
Do a Deep Clean
Start with the basics. Remove trash and other items from your car’s interior and trunk. Vacuum the floors of your car to remove crumbs, dirt and other debris. If you have a cloth interior, vacuum your seats. If not, make sure to wipe any debris onto the floors before vacuuming. Shampoo all the fabric in your car, and wipe off all other surfaces. Washing the outside of your car can help if pests are hiding in places like the wheel wells. Consider paying for a full detailing service if you don’t typically wash your own car. It may be expensive, but it’s a one-time cost that will be much better than dealing with an infestation.
Use Pesticides
A full detail should take care of the issue. However, if the pests persist, chemical treatments are the next line of defense. Find a spray that works specifically for the type of pest in your car that won’t damage your car’s interior. If there’s still a pest problem after that, consider fumigation. Just like your home, your car can be fumigated under a sealed tarp. This method should be considered as a last resort, as it requires the use of strong chemicals that could leave a residual odor.
Focus on Prevention
Avoid eating in your car whenever possible. However, we get it! Car meals happen! If you must eat in your car, avoid leaving any trash, crumbs or spills behind. Remove all personal items from your vehicle between drives, especially ones that you don’t need while you’re on the road. It may be convenient for some items to live in your trunk. This is fine, as long as you occasionally clean those items. Otherwise, they can become great hiding places for pests.
We spend a lot of time in our cars, and it’s never fun to share that time with pests. If you have any questions about pest removal, the Grimes pest control team can help. Give us a call at 515-279-7378 or contact us online to learn more.