Squirrels love a warm engine bay in cold weather, and once they build a nest in there they will keep coming back. They chew wiring, tear insulation, and leave a mess, and the repair bill from chewed wires is no joke.
Getting them out takes a little patience and usually more than one method at once. Here are the seven things I would try, in order.
Signs you have squirrels in the engine
- Nesting material, leaves, twigs, or insulation under the hood
- Chewed wires or hoses with fresh gnaw marks
- Droppings on the engine block or splash shield
- Scratching sounds when you start the car
- A warning light from a damaged sensor or wire
One safety note first: if you suspect chewed wiring, do not start the engine. Exposed wire can short and start a fire. Have a mechanic look it over.
7 ways to get them out
1. Pop the hood and leave it open
Squirrels want dark, enclosed shelter. An open hood takes that away. Do it during the day and check inside before you close it at night.
2. Add bright light and noise
Set a work light under the hood and a radio on a talk station nearby. The light and unfamiliar sound make the spot uncomfortable, and they will usually move on within a few days.
3. Spray a capsaicin repellent
Capsaicin sprays put a hot, burning taste on wires and hoses that squirrels avoid. Reapply after rain or every week or so. Test a small spot first, since some sprays can discolor plastic.
4. Try a live trap nearby
A live trap baited with sunflower seeds or peanut butter near the wheel well can catch the one doing the damage. Check the trap every few hours. Before you relocate a squirrel, check your local rules, they vary by state and relocation is regulated in a lot of places.
5. Drive the car regularly
A car that moves every day is a bad nest site. The heat, vibration, and motion discourage them. If a vehicle sits for long stretches, start it and move it every few days.
6. Seal the garage
If you park inside, close the gaps in the garage with 1/4 inch hardware cloth, especially the bottom seal, side gaps, vents, and windows. A sealed garage is the cleanest fix of all.
7. Call a professional
If the problem keeps coming back or you suspect chewed wiring, call a wildlife control operator or a mechanic. They can remove the animal safely, check for damage, and install permanent exclusion.
Keep them out for good
| Prevention Method | Effectiveness | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metal engine undershield | Excellent | Moderate |
| 1/4 inch hardware cloth barriers | Excellent | Low |
| Regular driving | Good | Free |
| Capsaicin spray reapplied weekly | Moderate | Low |
| Ultrasonic repellent devices | Low | Low |
| Mothballs or ammonia | Ineffective | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
Not reliably. If it has built a nest with bedding, it will keep coming back to the warm engine. You usually need lights, noise, or repellent to drive it out for good.
Yes. Chewed wiring can short and arc. If you suspect chewed wires, have a mechanic inspect it before you drive.
Look for fresh droppings, disturbed nesting material, and fresh chew marks, and listen for scratching before you start the car. If you have not seen or heard signs for a few days straight, it has probably moved on.
No. A cover protects the paint, but squirrels get in from underneath. Pair a cover with a metal engine undershield if you want full protection.
A metal engine undershield that blocks access from below, combined with regular driving and a sealed garage. That combination solves it for good.
