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MouseProofing the Prius

Discussion in 'Knowledge Base Articles Discussion' started by ebsmythe, Jul 16, 2008.

  1. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    As for the openings by the hood hinges, I picked up a Rigid digital inspection camera and will scan the area tonight for access to the ventilation system.
     
  2. PeaceKeeper

    PeaceKeeper New Member

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    I had a rat take up residence in one of my Corvettes, I worked had to trap him and finally succeeded. I used a T-Rex rat trap and that did the trick. If a rodent sets up residence in your car you can have big troubles, a rat is even worse. Rats and mice don't take a pee, they just leave a trail of urine where ever they walk.

    If you keep your car in a garage don't keep dog food, bird seed and any other food for the rodents to live on. I learned a big lesson on this when it happened to me.
     
  3. PeaceKeeper

    PeaceKeeper New Member

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    Here is the rat I killed.

    [​IMG]
     
  4. deltron3030

    deltron3030 New Member

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    fairly common issue really. just replace your cat filter and you should be fine

    Screen shot 2010-07-25 at 3.28.20 PM.png
     
    Sezy and ChaiLove like this.
  5. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    This would be the first! Please keep us updated. Thanks! :)
     
  6. carz89

    carz89 I study nuclear science...

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    Nice work and documentation! I'm assuming you keep your car outside, thus the mice problem. Mine is kept in a relative tight garage - just bugs and spiders to deal with.

    One minor comment -- being outside, the car could be subject to much humidity and moisture. Galvanized metal mesh will rust if it scratched or cut. (I admit I'm a little anal when it comes to rust prevention). I would have used stainless steel 1/4" mesh. I little more expensive, but worth it since you've gone to such great effort already to take things apart. One website I found charges $80 for a minimum order of 10 square feet.
     
  7. DGH

    DGH Thread Terminator

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    Well I gave it the college try.
    Took a quick look and saw no obvious openings, however....
    The Rigid micro SeeSnake is a real pain to use.
    The "flexible shaft" is very stiff and difficult to guide.
    Plus you really get screwed up on the orientation of the camera when you are unable to see where it is pointed.
    The worst is I went back out to do a more extensive check and while giving the not so flexible shaft a custom bend the imaging head broke off the shaft!
    So sadly I can not give a definitive answer at least for a few weeks.
    When I get it back I will remove the wipers and cowl and hope for better access going through that route.

    Took some strong narcotics for pain, hope the above is somewhat coherent.
     
  8. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Well the first time is always harder. Hopefully the next time will be easier and more fruitful. Thanks for the update! :)
     
  9. PhiloMcGiffin

    PhiloMcGiffin New Member

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    Please see my related post:
    GenIII - Rodent Damage - $ 900.00 also in this Forum section.

    I'll need to wrap my entire vehicle in "Mesh Screening":eek:
     
  10. Comrad_Durandal

    Comrad_Durandal New Member

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    :eek: I've never had problems with rodents getting into my car, like....ever... Not saying it doesn't happen, just...not sure what I must be doing to keep them out or that isn't happening to let them in for all of those who are experiencing problems.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's hit or miss. luckily, mostly miss. who knows the right situation that sends the little buggers looking for shelter, food and warm wires to chew on!
     
  12. tommyandbeth

    tommyandbeth Junior Member

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    Try dryer sheets
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    under the wipers?:confused:
     
  14. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    If you want you can spread roasted peanuts in the air box and on top of the cabin air filter to encourage the cute little creatures to make their home there. ;)
     
  15. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    keep a cat in your garage.
     
  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    a black cat?:D
     
  17. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    A hungry cat.
     
  18. BhamPrius

    BhamPrius Member

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    All of these threads have me a bit freaked out about a mouse attack on my new 'baby.' It seems most people reporting damage are East Coasters. Is this a "major" problem--especially out West? I will be roadtripping across the country this summer, including the UP of Michigan. I'd absolutely HATE to have this rodent damage occur, especially while on vacation. Anyone have some input before I decide on whether or not to embark on the adventure of rodent-proofing my Prius?

    Side note: I see this OP owns and did the work on a G2. Has the G3 alleviated some of these incidents of rodent attacks?
     
  19. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I believe that G3 is, if anything, more susceptible to rodent damage. Look on the G3 forums for details.

    One issue in particular is that the G3 engine ECU is now located in the engine compartment (vs. Classic and 2G where the engine ECU was next to the hybrid vehicle ECU behind the glove compartment area) and the wires leading to it are exposed.
     
  20. MouseMachine

    MouseMachine New Member

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    I have two Prii (2005 and 2006), both parked outside. Over the past two months mice are getting in both cars on a nightly basis. Originally, we had carseats with food crumbs attracting them, but that stopped when we first noticed evidence of mouse activity. (Carseats completely removed.)

    A week ago, I took one prius and performed all the screening presented in this post. That seemed to work for two days and then the mice came back. Others have mentioned the airbox as another point of entry. Has anyone done that mod and have photos of the end product? I'm willing to invest more time and effort into being mouse-free.