Car Rodent Damage Prevention: Keep Mice Out of Your Engine

September 2, 2025

As temperatures drop, rodents like mice and rats look for cozy shelter, and what’s cozier than the warm, hidden spaces beneath your vehicle’s hood? Unfortunately, that means your car’s wiring and engine bay become prime real estate for nesting and chewing.

Rodent Damage: Costly, Surprising, and Often Hidden

A rodent infestation isn’t just unpleasant; it can be dangerously expensive. Chewed wiring can cause shorts, dashboard warning lights, engine no-start issues, and even fires in severe cases. In the U.S. and Canada, repair costs from rodent damage generally range between $200 and $1,000, but it’s not uncommon for bills to climb past $2,500 or even $4,000 in extreme cases.

Comprehensive coverage sometimes pays for rodent damage, but deductibles apply, and claims can be denied if the problem is seen as preventable. Liability-only policies don’t cover it at all. That’s why prevention is the safest bet.

A Simple Fix: Repellent Tape

Our tape is simple to apply: just wrap it around the most vulnerable wires under the hood. What sets it apart is that it’s infused with cayenne extract. Cayenne contains capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. To rodents, it creates an irritating sensation that makes your wiring completely unappealing. Best of all, it’s harmless to humans, pets, and your vehicle. The cold is coming, and so are the mice. With a little prevention now, you can keep them out and keep your car safe.