These rodents enjoy nesting on top of the
engine in the wet winter months. Ideally they prefer that space between
the carburetor and valve cover. Their powerful jaws allow the quick
removal of any material that restricts optimum nesting location.
They have eaten wires everywhere and even removed a 2 inch section of heater
hose completely in our car RatsNest. Nests are usually comprised
of a pile of twigs, sticks, and leaves that they patiently drag up and
over the engine. In the end it is usually about a wheel barrow full
and can cover the motor completely.
At the center of the pile is a small half
spherical cavity that looks like a bird's nest.. Here the little buggers
reside. They will on occasion enter the driver's compartment but
do not seem to enjoy this location as much as the engine itself --
probably due to the engine's terrific escape access on all sides.
Usually they begin to take up residence 2-3 weeks after the last starting
of the Rover and are easily able to finish a nest in only a few weeks.
Prevention techniques include Deacon boxes situated ideally on the intake
manifold and battery. (This technique is not suggested due to the
highly negative environmental repercussions.) We suggest those anti
rodent high pitched sound production boxes available mail order of though
Orchard Supply Hardware.
