Steel wool is my go-to too, but have you ever tried getting it into those weird little gaps behind the pedals? I swear, whoever designs car interiors must have a grudge against people with big hands. I’ve also heard someone say Irish Spring soap works, but honestly, that just made my car smell like a grandma’s bathroom and the mice didn’t care. Anyone actually had luck with that? Or is it just another internet myth...
I’ve tried the Irish Spring trick and honestly, same result—just a weird, overpowering scent and the mice didn’t seem bothered at all. I think it’s one of those things that sounds clever but doesn’t really hold up in practice. Steel wool is definitely more effective, but yeah, those tight spots behind the pedals are a pain. I’m always a little nervous about stuffing anything down there, though. If a bit of steel wool comes loose, it could get wedged under a pedal and cause a safety issue.
One thing I’ve done is cut the steel wool into smaller pieces and use a pair of long tweezers or needle-nose pliers to wedge it in place. It takes some patience, but at least I know it’s secure and not going to shift around while I’m driving. I’d avoid using anything that could break apart or leave residue near the pedals—just not worth the risk.
If you’re worried about mice, it might be better to focus on sealing up any entry points under the hood or around the cabin instead of relying on scents or deterrents inside the car. Traps outside the vehicle can help too. I get wanting a quick fix, but anything that could interfere with driving just isn’t worth it for me.
I get what you mean about being nervous with steel wool near the pedals. That’s always been my worry too—especially since I drive a car where replacing anything under the dash costs a fortune. I tried the Irish Spring thing once and honestly, it just made my car smell like a mix between a soap factory and a mouse nest. Didn’t seem to slow the mice down at all.
If you’re worried about mice, it might be better to focus on sealing up any entry points under the hood or around the cabin instead of relying on scents or deterrents inside the car.
This is really the key, I think. I had a similar issue last winter, and after a lot of frustration, I ended up crawling under the car with a flashlight and some cheap silicone caulk. Sealed up a couple of gaps where wiring comes through. Haven’t had a problem since. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was way cheaper than dealing with chewed wires or cleaning out nests.
Do you know if there are any specific spots in newer cars that are more vulnerable? I’ve heard some luxury brands use soy-based wiring insulation now, which is basically a buffet for rodents. Makes me wonder if there’s a better long-term fix than just plugging holes and hoping for the best...
- That soy-based wiring is a real pain—my buddy’s 2018 Lexus had a nest right on top of the fuse box last year.
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“Sealed up a couple of gaps where wiring comes through. Haven’t had a problem since.”
- In my experience, the main weak spots are:
- Cabin air intake (usually under the cowl)
- Grommets for wiring harnesses (especially behind the battery or near the firewall)
- Wheel wells, where plastic liners meet metal
- I’ve seen folks use stainless mesh with silicone instead of steel wool—less rust, still blocks critters.
- Long-term? Some people swear by regular engine bay checks and parking away from tall grass or brush. Not perfect, but it helps.
- Honestly, I wish automakers would stop using food-based plastics... seems like asking for trouble.
I keep hearing about rodents loving that soy wiring, but is it really that much worse than the old stuff? I mean, my dad’s ‘99 Camry had a mouse problem too, and that was way before the “eco” plastics. Stainless mesh sounds smart though—does it actually stay put with all the engine heat and vibration?