Rats nests and Vehicle storage

Submitted: Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 07:59

ThreadID: 97199 Views:2497 Replies:6 FollowUps:5

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Harrow

Hi All

Just came back from o/s and had veh (100 series)in storage for a year inBrisbane.

Found a Rat had made nest in A/c intake and in Fan housing (probably using as as an exercise wheel in his landcruiser penthouse)
12 months of urine and droppings to clean out, and still getting rid of the smell.

Going back into storage for annother 12 months and dont want a repeat, any advice how to keep them out ??.
Also Mould in veh most surfaces, had a water adsorber packet but still a thin layer of mould
All windows fully closed.
Has a car cover and is in a car-port

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

Harrow

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Reply By: AlbyNSW - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 08:15

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 08:15

I had a problem with them eating my wiring looms so I cable tied some rat poison blocks in various places in the engine bay
Option two would be to have a python take up residence, they don't bleep as often and no smell LOL

AnswerID: 492050

Follow Up By: Phillipn - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 08:26

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 08:26

Farmers storing harvesters between seasons put blocks that are paced in urinals in toilets in the harvesters. They claim that rats won`t go any where near them.

FollowupID: 767703

Reply By: Member - Wamuranman - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 08:35

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 08:35

It is far better to repel them from your vehicle rather than kill them in it.
There are many options but two worth considering are:
(1) Pure peppermint oil (not extract) - soak a rag in it and place the rag in the areas rats are likely to inhabit.
(2) Fragrant toilet blocks that hang over the side of the toilet bowl....these come with a little plastic wire that can be used to twist around something in the car to hold them in place.

Cheers

AnswerID: 492051

Reply By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 10:44

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 10:44

Harrow, the other thing (and it may not be feasible in your case) is organise someone to take the vehicle for a run every month. Not only keeps the vehicle in running order, but also discourages critters from taking up residence...

AnswerID: 492056

Follow Up By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 12:39

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 12:39

Gday Scott
If i left my vehicle for the boys to store, they would get it wrong," dad said drive for 28 days and store for one , well i think that is what he said"

Muzbry
Great place to be Mt Blue Rag 27/12/2012

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FollowupID: 767717

Follow Up By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 14:36

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 14:36

LOL Muz :-)

Sort of when my brother asked me to store his Porsche in my garage - I'm sure he said 'make sure you put it in storage for a couple of days' - then again my hearing isn't that good...

FollowupID: 767727

Reply By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 10:49

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 10:49

What about an actual lock up instead of out in the open? Evenm a sealable container. One without holes. I haven't the faintest what the cost would be. I would also add all the above hints in there as well.

We are off to the Simpson and they say the rats are back. Looks like we take some toilet blocks with us to hang out each night.

Fun hey???

AnswerID: 492057

Follow Up By: dean e - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 14:51

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 14:51

Three weeks ago in the simo we didn't have a problem with rats so unless things have changed I wouldn't be to concerned with what they said.
DE

FollowupID: 767728

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 15:44

Thursday, Aug 02, 2012 at 15:44

From Mt Dare: " reports of rats around Poepple corner lately so there must something in it, none around here"

Should send the ranger from Canberra to scare them off.

FollowupID: 767733