Where Are Dead Mice Usually Found in a Car?
3 Answers
Dead mice in a car are usually found in the engine compartment, air conditioning ducts, etc. Below are the steps to handle a dead mouse in the car: 1. Inspection: Check if there is a dead mouse inside the car's air conditioning system. If so, remove the mouse first. Then turn on the air conditioning, clean the air vents, and check the intake for any other debris. It is also advisable to replace the air filter, as an excessively dirty filter not only fails to achieve its intended purpose but also causes secondary pollution to the air entering the car. To completely eliminate odors in the car, the source must be blocked. 2. Cleaning: Clean the air conditioning ducts, as a dead mouse inside can leave behind bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors. Use deodorizers or air conditioning duct cleaners to remove odors from the ducts. For external circulation, naturally ventilate by spraying evenly into the air vents, then open the windows and turn on the air conditioning for ventilation.
Last time when a rat got into my car, I finally found the source of the problem behind the cabin air filter. The nooks and crannies of the engine bay are also particularly attractive to rodents, as they love chewing on wire insulation as chew toys. When repairing cars, I often come across small animal carcasses hidden in the trunk lining, especially around the spare tire where it's dark and warm. Under the carpet is another hotspot, particularly in vehicles that have been parked for long periods, as rats love to sneak in through the gaps in the sill trim to make nests. If you detect a foul odor, you need to investigate immediately, otherwise, the decomposing fluids can seep into the sound insulation and ruin the entire cabin environment. Remember to wear gloves when handling the remains and thoroughly clean with disinfectant before driving with peace of mind.
Over the years of running a repair shop, I've handled dozens of cases of dead rats in cars. The most common location is behind the dashboard, where mice can enter through the air intake vents to seek warmth. The area around the air filter box above the engine is also frequently affected, as it retains residual heat and is sheltered from wind. One customer noticed a foul smell near the accelerator pedal and, upon lifting the carpet, discovered a dead rat stuck in the brake wiring harness. I advise car owners to check if the vent protective screens are damaged and to avoid parking near garbage piles. If any unusual odor is detected, immediately dismantle the interior for inspection. Delaying not only makes cleaning more difficult but can also corrode the metal components inside the car.
