[lb2010]

Hi, I am new here, I have a 2010 RL. I have looked at posts in the past for help but the is my first post. Also, keep in mind I am not a "car person" so I would appreciate having things explained in a way that's easy to understand for a beginner, pics help . I had my engine rebuilt by my buddy on the fire dept, and it was basically sitting in the woods for a month not being driven. I already live out in the country so mice are an ongoing issue....but it really turned into a mice motel. It smelled so bad when I picked it up I had to drive with all windows down. I detailed the interior myself and that made a big difference....but the smell persisted. I replaced my cabin air filter, and that helped, but there were more. I checked my engine air filter, and it was fine, but i found poop on the battery, not surprising. I think there are some behind my moonroof...but that feels like a big problem to tackle (I am open to advice). Last night, I went to set mouse traps and heard the nibbling....I found the biggest nest I have ever seen behind the back seat. I removed it and vacuumed as much as I could reach and set more traps. My question is, is there a way to get back there? I saw some posts about removing the seats, but then people recommending removing the front bed panel (this was all related to wiring stuff though). Any advice? Thanks!

 

[smufguy]

The only area I can see the mice getting inside the cab, is from the two pressure release flaps on the frame panel beneath the rear window. They are officially called air extractors.

You can see that below in the images.

 

[robertyb]

Put some Dcon in there for a few nights and all the mice will be gone.

 

[SmilinSteve]

Forget the traps. You need poison. They will run your truck, way through type wiring etc. Do not skimp. Put those poison blocks all around.

 

[feetdry]

I now carry and use cayenne pepper that I sprinkle all over my engine on a regular basis. After the damage they did to my wiring and ultimately catalytic converter. My insurance paid out good money to have it repaired. The dealer shielded the wiring on top of the engine but said the best preventative was cayenne pepper. They told me they have seen the same Hondas in their shop more than once for rodent issues.

 

[SmilinSteve]

I

I now carry and use cayenne pepper that I sprinkle all over my engine on a regular basis. After the damage they did to my wiring and ultimately catalytic converter. My insurance paid out good money to have it repaired. The dealer shielded the wiring on top of the engine but said the best preventative was cayenne pepper. They told me they have seen the same Hondas in their shop more than once for rodent issues.

I cant imagine cayenne pepper staying put very long. Bait traps with poisen at all times, maybe bait traps attached with velco in a couple of spots in the engine compartment? Poison those suckers!

 

[feetdry]

Probably an good idea but the pepper has "worked" for me for over a year after staying at the same lodging in my regular 3 state travels. So far no more rodents, yea!

 

[donuteater306]

I purchased a couple of these on Amazon and installed them on my RL and 4 Runner. $24 each, check em out. Install took about 10min per vehicle and was as simple as loosening (not removing) the +/- bat. cables and sliding in the spade connectors. Been about 1 month and I no longer have droppings under either vehicle's hood.

Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller Rodent Repellent Ultrasonic Rat Deterrent LED Strobe Lights Keep Mice Away from Car Pest Control 12V 24V Vehicle Rodent Defense Vehicle Protection

 

[feetdry]

Probably, great for many drivers but as someone who travels to different locations in winter at below zero F, I don't want any extra electronics sucking on my battery.

 

[lb2010]

How do I remove the panel to access the pressure release flaps?

The only area I can see the mice getting inside the cab, is from the two pressure release flaps on the frame panel beneath the rear window. They are officially called air extractors.

You can see that below in the images.

View attachment 399641 View attachment 399642 View attachment 399644

 

[lb2010]

Forget the traps. You need poison. They will run your truck, way through type wiring etc. Do not skimp. Put those poison blocks all around.

I just don't want dead mice that I can't get to rotting in my truck and stinking it up.

 

[donuteater306]

Probably, great for many drivers but as someone who travels to different locations in winter at below zero F, I don't want any extra electronics sucking on my battery.

Good thinking, I wouldn't either. It does monitor the battery and once it drops to a certain level it's supposed to turn off. But it's still a drain.

 

[smufguy]

How do I remove the panel to access the pressure release flaps?

The bed panel below the rear window (actually called the head board) is held on by torx bolts. I cant remember the size on those, but if you have an assortment, you can get it out. Once you remove that panel, you have access to frame with the two extractors.

If you really want to go the extra mile, you can fabricate a mesh to go over those, but do know that the flaps do swing out, when the air pressure is released. You can see how far the flaps move, by closing one of the doors as to not obstruct the movement should you go that route..

 

[robertyb]

I just don't want dead mice that I can't get to rotting in my truck and stinking it up.

When you use Dcon they usually head to the nearest water source which should be away from your vehicle. It drys them up and makes them thirsty.

 

[SmilinSteve]

I agree. I had a terrible mouse problem in my house that traps would not solve. I had to kill them with poison. Very little sign of dead mice or of smell. They usually just disappear. Occasionally I would find a dried up mouse. Like mouse jerky lol. It's worth it to get rid of them. Especially in a vehicle you won't have any odor problem I bet. If you do it will only last a couple of days.

 

[mloganusda]

I use Fresh Cap I get from Tractor Supply every year to place in various places in my motor home. The smell is not bad from the fresh cap but mice do not like it. I have not had any mice in 8 years. I do live in a small city but have many animals that come out of the woods at night.

MLogan
Smyrna, TN

 

[RMarkL]

Welcome to the best website ever built...

 

[Loco1]

I use Fresh Cap I get from Tractor Supply every year to place in various places in my motor home. The smell is not bad from the fresh cap but mice do not like it. I have not had any mice in 8 years. I do live in a small city but have many animals that come out of the woods at night.

MLogan
Smyrna, TN

I to had a mouse issue. Opening up the glove compartment seeing shred up papers. They weren’t making the nest there. They were taking it back to the trunk. I cleaned the truck front to back and top to bottom. Then wiping it down with alcohol. Instead of using poison, we got those Tom Cat super glue traps and put some peanut butter. Also used silica packets. There is no longer a mice issue. With poison you take the risk that it might die in a vent that you can’t easily get to. It happened to me in another truck. As someone mentioned on an earlier post there is a vent on the right side where the spare tire is.

 

[tmz]

Great simple trap--put one next to the truck, maybe on either side or in the bed if its open: Five-gallon bucket with about 4 inches of water in the bottom, one or two yard-sticks or similar planks as paths from the ground up to the top of the bucket, smear a glob of peanut butter about 6 inches below where the yardstick rests on the top of the bucket. Mice can't resist trying for the peanut butter and will fall in the bucket and drown. If your yard is big enough or your in an open area then disposal is easy because you can just dump out the bucket somewhere. You may get all the mice in one or two nights.

 

[feetdry]

The rodents I encounter, are attacking my RIDGE many miles from home in below freezing weather which is why they are trying to find a warm bed for the night. I don't have a rodent problem at my home. Water, buckets, peanut butter is well and good but not so good 400-500 miles from home.