Leave your car unused too long and you risk learning that pests have already set up residence somewhere in your precious ride. From mosquitoes to cockroaches, to cats, rats and other unwanted creatures, and even (gasp!) snakes—although you won’t likely read stuff like this in the news, it’s actually quite common for critters taking up real estate where they are least wanted. Pests are a huge headache inside homes, and even much more so in cars. Left to their own destructive devices, they can wreak so much havoc that could total in thousands of pesos in expensive repairs. So how do you keep your car free of pests and other nuisance? Here’s what you need to do.  

Pest-proof your garage

Like any living organism, pests want to live in a spot where food is accessible. Certain wires made of soy have made modern cars more enticing to rodents than ever before. Park at the wrong spot for an extended time, and you’ll soon find that pests have nestled cozily and comfortably in your car. Aside from food source, the dark and cool environment provided by your car’s undercarriage practically ensure that finding pests in your car is not a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ Needless to say, if you’re not planning to use your car for a prolonged period, parking it out in the open is a no-no. Though keeping your car in a garage is immensely the better option, you shouldn’t stop there. You should also ensure that your garage door is well-sealed so that even tiny insects won’t be able to get in. with that in mind, it’s a good idea to put rubber gaskets or seals around your garage door and windows to keep the pests out. It also helps to do the following:

• Avoid storing pet food in your garage. The same goes for cat litter, as some rodents feed on them.
• Don’t feed your pet in your garage. Any leftover food on the garage floor can prove too irresistible to tiny critters. Find a better place for giving fido his treats.
• Don’t leave your garage door ajar for long periods.
• Remove anything around your home that can allow pests to gain access to your home, such as long tree branches, open garbage bins, piled up junk, etc.

 

Keep your car spic and span inside and out

Neglect is the worst possible thing that you can do to your car. With this in mind, the best way to prevent pests is to clean your car regularly. This applies even if your car is unused for certain periods. Have the engine bay and undercarriage detailed for added security. Likewise, make sure the doors and windows are properly closed when you store your car in the garage.  

What if the pests are already living in your car?

Once pests are inside your car, you cannot simply get rid of them by washing. The best thing to do is to have your car fumigated by a professional pest exterminator. They will know the right extermination strategies and products to apply depending on the type of pest found in your car. Be reminded that pesticides can be dangerous if not used properly, so to guarantee your safety, leave their use in the hands of professionals. After having the car fumigated, avoid using the car for at least two hours. Air out the car with all the windows down to circulate the air and get rid of any dangerous fumes. Wipe the surfaces to get rid of any excess pesticides, if the exterminator hasn’t done it already.  

Pests aren’t the only problem you have to worry about

Now that we are smack in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, aside from pests, you also have to worry about dangerous microorganisms getting into your car. Now more than ever, it’s important to disinfect every surface in your car, especially those that come in contact with your skin regularly. These include your car’s door handles, shift knob, control buttons, touchscreens, cupholders, seats, etc. Wherever your hands come into contact, you should make a point to clean that surface with disinfecting wipes or spray. Other tips for keeping your car germ-free include regular vacuuming of the cabin and sanitizing your car’s air conditioning system, especially the cabin filter.  

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