Critters Costing North Texans Thousands In Car Repairs
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PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - Rats, mice and rabbits are costing drivers in North Texas thousands of dollars in vehicle repair bills.
More and more folks who park outside are waking up to discover their vehicles are not starting.
"It wouldn't turn over, it wouldn't start at all. We thought maybe it was the battery," said Jen Pilcic, a Plano resident.
After towing it to the dealer, Pilcic discovered something had chewed into a wiring harness in her Volvo.
"It grosses me out to think that. What if there's still something living in here?" said Pilcic.
The dealership told her it was likely a rodent and that her car was not alone.
"They don't believe it initially," said Jon Batton, an auto technician for Crest Volvo in Plano.
Batton said he always saves the damaged parts and takes pictures of the nests to show shocked customers.
"You wonder if it's still in there because you don't want to dig around and have a live one come out and bite your finger," said Batton.
A few small nibbles to some wiring can cause an electrical short and Batton said that can cost drivers thousands of dollars in repair bills.
"I feel sorry for our customers and makes you want to get rid of all the rodents," said Batton.
Wildlife Technician Kevin Hannam with 911 Wildlife said repellent works, but so does pouring household ammonium in a bowl.
Hannam said when placed under a vehicle near the engine, it will keep the critters away who cannot stand the smell.
"We've had a few cool nights and they just go to somewhere warm," said Hannam.
Wildlife experts also said rodents are attracted to trash cans for food and fencing for coverage. If a driver has to park outside, they should avoid both areas.