Car Infested by Mice or Rats? The Health Risks, Damage, & What to Do Next Video

Damage Caused by Rodents

Rodents can cause significant damage to vehicles, including:

• Electrical System Damage: Chewing on wires can lead to electrical malfunctions.
• Mechanical Damage: Gnawing on hoses and belts can impair vehicle functionality. 
• Interior Damage: Upholstery, trim and insulation can be shredded for nesting materials.
• Contamination: Urine and droppings can soil the interior and ventilation systems.

Health Risks: Diseases Transmitted by Rodents

Rodents can transmit various diseases to humans, posing serious health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Diseases include:​

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome: Contracted by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent urine or droppings. ^Gov
• Leptospirosis (Weil's disease): Spread through contact with water or dirt contaminated by rodent urine. ^NHS
• Salmonellosis: Transmitted via ingestion of food or water contaminated with infected rodent faeces. ^Gov
• Spirillary Fever: Can occur through bites or scratches from infected rodents, or contact with their urine or mucous secretions. ^Wikipedia
• Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis: is an infection carried by some rodents which causes a type of meningitis. ^Gov
• Allergies and Asthma: Rats can exacerbate asthma symptoms, due to dander and shed hair.

Diseases and infections from rats to humans in the UK are generally rare, but not uncommon. While the risk is low, certain diseases, like hantavirus and leptospirosis, can cause serious illness, underscoring the importance of proper decontamination.

Importance of Professional Decontamination

Professional decontamination services typically include:​

• Fogging with Antiviral and Antibacterial Agents: To disinfect all interior surfaces.​
• Full inspection Removal of sump trays and wheel arch liners.
• Wet-Vacuuming: To remove droppings, urine, and nesting materials.​
• Hand cleaning: Because engines and electrical systems are sensitive to water, they will require to be carefully cleaned by hand.
• Ventilation System Cleaning: To eliminate contaminants from air ducts.​​
• Replacing filters which may be contaminated.

Engaging professionals ensures thorough cleaning and reduces health risks for you and your family.

Insurance Claims for Rodent Damage

Rodent damage is typically covered under a vehicle's comprehensive insurance policy. This coverage includes non-collision-related damages, such as those caused by animals. (​It's important to note that coverage specifics can vary, so direct communication with the insurance provider is essential.)

We would recommend contacting your insurance company's helpline and asking. You can tell them you have found a company that specializes in decontamination and request it be sent here. You can always call us for advice if you are in two-minds about making a claim.

The majority of vehicles that come to us, have electrical faults due to rodents chewing through wires, so many arrive on transporter and require decontamination before they can be safely worked on. We have an auto-electrician who can repair damage to wires and connectors without the expense of replacing the entire loom.

If you find you have a fault, lift up the bonnet and find traces of rodents in your engine compartment, but think they haven't made their way into the cabin, you may wish to avoid making a claim. However, we still wouldn't recommend decontaminating the car yourself. 

Can I do it myself?

We wouldn't recommend it, so we can't give advice on how to do it. We can, however, tell you some things you should not do:

• Do not use a vacuum cleaner, as this will push contaminated particles into the air. We use a wet vac.
• Do not use a pressure washer on your engine bay - it can damage electrical systems. We clean by hand.
• Don't use the wrong products. The disinfectant needs to be hospital grade antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial. 

How to Stop Rodents Getting Into Your Car in the First Place

If you’ve ever had rats or mice in your car, or you’ve parked next to someone who has, your car is already on their radar. Rodents love familiar territory. They leave scent trails, and they’ll return if the environment feels the same. So first things first—don’t park in the exact same spot every day. Even turning your car around can make it feel different and throw them off.

Avoid parking near drains, bins, or restaurant back doors—anywhere they might be feeding. And keep away from long grass if you can, that’s a favourite for mice.

Try to drive your car regularly, even if it's just once a week. Rodents prefer places that stay still and quiet.

There are ultrasonic repellents that can help too. Some are battery-powered and designed to go inside your car. Others are outdoor units you can put near where you park—handy if you’ve got a rat-prone area. (They might also keep teenagers away too, bonus.)

Peppermint oil and pepper-based deterrents are also worth trying—rodents hate the smell. You can find them as little sachets, sprays, or pot-type products. There are also specialist sprays you can use on wiring and rubber belts to stop rats and mice chewing on them. We’ve seen these work well.

We don’t recommend poisons inside your car—it’s messy, dangerous, and if something dies in your air vents, you’ll know about it. But if you own or manage the space where your car is parked and you’ve got a serious rat problem, it’s probably time to call in a proper exterminator.

Quick Tips to Keep Rodents Out of Your Car:

• Don’t park in the same spot every day—especially if it’s been infested before.
• Avoid drains, bins, restaurant backs, and long grass.
• Drive your car at least once a week.
• Use ultrasonic rodent repellents (battery-powered for the car, outdoor units for driveways).
• Try peppermint oil, pepper-based products, or deterrent sprays on wiring and belts.
• Never use poisons inside the car.
• If the parking area is yours and infested, call an exterminator.
• Don't leave food in your car, caravan or motorhome.