Rodents in cars — honestly, it happens way more than most drivers reckon, especially around Hamilton. Doesn’t matter if you’re parking your Nissan Juke on Peachgrove Road or your late-model Kia Sportage lives in a supposedly “safe” Fairfield garage. Rats and mice love any warm, dry spot, even if that means crawling up under your hybrid after a soggy night. Seen damage on everything from Honda Streams to Skoda Fabias and the odd Peugeot too, so they’re definitely not fussy.
Keep Your Garage and Driveway Tidy
One of the biggest things we notice in the shop is how clutter invites pests. If your garage out in Te Kowhai is packed with boxes or you’ve got old gear under your carport in Hillcrest, it’s like a flashing neon motel sign for rodents. Clean it out every so often. Less mess means rodents are less likely to settle in — plus you’ll spot chewed cardboard or droppings before it turns into a full-on headache.
Chuck In Some Natural Repellents
Plenty of customers from places like Matangi and Tamahere reckon peppermint oil is the go — soak a few cotton balls and pop them around the engine bay (just swap them when the smell’s gone). Cedar chips are handy as well. Folk love this option since it keeps the stink of chemicals out of the car and works a treat in most cases.
Seal Up The Gaps
Rodents can squeeze in through crazy-small spaces. Take a look around your garage — see any holes along the floor, or daylight by the roller door? Fill them in with steel wool or use sealant. Even tiny spots can be a red carpet for mice. For a decent how-to and some simple diagrams, have a look at this rodent prevention guide.
Pop The Bonnet Regularly
Look, between Firth Tower detours and SH3 traffic, no one’s dying to check under the bonnet every morning. But have a peek every so often — flick the bonnet, see if there’s fluff near the battery, chewed wires, or weird smells. Anything odd, come in for a check. Suzuki Escudos, VW Passats, even trusty Honda Civics — we’ve found nests (and worse!) in all of them over the years. If you want more on what to look for, have a read of this quick checklist.
Don’t Leave Food Smells In The Car
Picked up dumplings from Rototuna’s shops or had a pie on the run down Kahikatea Drive? Don’t leave the wrappers behind. Rodents have a monster sense of smell for leftovers. Empty the bins, vacuum your car, and if you find a nest or droppings, get in and get it properly cleaned. Some decent cleaning tips here.
Rodent-Proof That Wiring
We often get called out for chewed wiring — had a woman in from Ngāruawāhia with a Lexus IS where the ABS warning lit up after a rat made itself at home. There’s rodent deterrent tape (has capsaicin, like hot chillis) you can fit around wiring. Stops them chewing, especially if you leave your Skoda or Toyota outside under trees.
Why Grimmer Motors?
Rodent trouble, weird smells, chewed wires — or just want some solid car advice? Pop in for a chat.
- Honest, No-Nonsense Advice: Local Hamilton knowledge — we don’t sugarcoat, just straight Kiwi know-how on NZ car problems.
- All Makes & Models: Everything from Mitsubishi Colts to BMW wagons, Mazdas, hybrids — we see the lot. Car service Hamilton, WOF Hamilton, or anything weird, we’ve got you covered.
- Easy To Find: Handy location for folks from everywhere: Greenhill, Chartwell, Raglan, or Cambridge.
- Experienced Techs: Our techs have sorted issues on every brand you can think of, oddball imports too!
Want your car rodent-free, or just need a second opinion? Flick us a message, swing by, or book in below.