Mice/rodent entry point behind rear seat

[Deleted member 7089]

A redditor identified an entry point for mice behind the rear seat. There is a vent there that has easily chewable flaps (first two photos are from the Reddit post) :

Having had this issue on my previous vehicle, I modded the vent with wire mesh. I used 1/2" square which worked fine for me on my previous vehicle. Some might argue that it's not small enough, so consider 1/4" mesh instead in that case. Guess we have burly field mice up here .

I folded the sides 1/2" with additional 1/2" protruding wires at every inch. Drilled pinholes into the plastic and passed the protruding wires through and folded them flat on the other side. Does not impede flaps.

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[Last Truck Ever]

What's the actual purpose of this vent? Never had a truck with one, what benefit is it? Would seem to be simpler just to block it.

 

[LtCasual]

What's the actual purpose of this vent? Never had a truck with one, what benefit is it? Would seem to be simpler just to block it.

Pressure relief, if you're running your heat/AC using outside air the extra air has to go somewhere. Out this vent!

 

[respi133]

What's the actual purpose of this vent? Never had a truck with one, what benefit is it? Would seem to be simpler just to block it.

related to cabin pressure

1 second edit: yeah what @LtCasual said!

 

[Last Truck Ever]

Pressure relief, if you're running your heat/AC using outside air the extra air has to go somewhere. Out this vent!

Ah, live and learn, just googled it, too. How did I not know this, lol?!

 

[The Weatherman]

Thanks for posting that hack. I had the wire harness chewed through earlier this year, so they are out there looking for something good to eat and a warm place to stay.

 

[Gardner79]

Anyone here use Honda's rodent tape? I assume you could just tape it on those flaps as an alternative.

 

[acutturi]

Anyone here use Honda's rodent tape? I assume you could just tape it on those flaps as an alternative.

I have used the Honda rodent proof tape on my Odyssey. It doesn't work (at least the chili flavored one didn't work for me). Replaced the same sensor two times due to rodents.

 

[Edge Haley]

Anyone here use Honda's rodent tape? I assume you could just tape it on those flaps as an alternative.

Honda tape is for wrapping around electrical tape....not effective to allow air flow to get thru....it would block the vent...Honda tape does have hot pepper in the tape to keep rats from chewing but this would be the wrong application.

 

[Gardner79]

Honda tape is for wrapping around electrical tape....not effective to allow air flow to get thru....it would block the vent...Honda tape does have hot pepper in the tape to keep rats from chewing but this would be the wrong application.

Well, I was thinking to just put a layer on outer part of the flap only, since that is what got chewed. This does assume the tape is thin enough to not interfere with the flap operation, and the tape adheres well to the flap.

 

[Gardner79]

I have used the Honda rodent proof tape on my Odyssey. It doesn't work (at least the chili flavored one didn't work for me). Replaced the same sensor two times due to rodents.

Thanks, I am pretty interested in this topic right now. I discover a rat is eating the windshield wiper tubes on my toyota sienna. Strangely, havent discovered any other damage yet. This vehicle is parked in garage and discovered other evidence of rat there, so am setting traps. But, my brand new maverick gets parked outside! So yeah, I am researching various ways for rodent deterrent in vehicles.

 

[acutturi]

Thanks, I am pretty interested in this topic right now. I discover a rat is eating the windshield wiper tubes on my toyota sienna. Strangely, havent discovered any other damage yet. This vehicle is parked in garage and discovered other evidence of rat there, so am setting traps. But, my brand new maverick gets parked outside! So yeah, I am researching various ways for rodent deterrent in vehicles.

I tried peppermint oil, Irish Spring soap, and the chili flavored tape. None worked. Then I put little green chunks of rodent poison around the engine using zip ties, and that stopped the problem. Never found the dead rodent in my engine or on the ground.

 

[MetalThunder]

Just curious anyone know what the outside/underside initial area of entry looks like - possibly stop them there - maybe someone has a lift ? don't feel like crawling - saving my back for tree planting.

Cheers

 

[rivermaverick]

What's the actual purpose of this vent? Never had a truck with one, what benefit is it? Would seem to be simpler just to block it.

I believe it's a federal requirement that all vehicles with AC must have the cabin vented to prevent the occupants from being suffocated by a refrigerant leak.

 

[rlhdweman]

These vents have been around forever, my 50 year old Cadillac has them & so did all my 70's GM cars, but they were placed near the door striker & would be hard for a rodent to crawl up smooth sheet metal. When running your heat/ac fan on a high setting it would be hard to get air moving unless you cracked a window without these.

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