Mice above headliner?

[sajohnson]

My wife and I were cleaning the Badlands earlier and noticed stains around the ceiling/dome light.

I haven't removed the light yet, but my best guess is mice. I don't think it's due to a leak.

I searched but couldn't find any mention of this by anyone else. I guess we're just lucky...

Any thoughts on how they may be getting in there?

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[Escape2Bronco]

Sunroof or not? Pictures?

 

[sajohnson]

Sunroof or not? Pictures?

No sunroof.

I didn't think there would be much interest in some light staining around the dome light, but I can get a photo.

 

[sajohnson]

I removed the light from the headliner and sure enough, there was a nest.

We were able to vacuum everything out. It wasn't bad.

It seems like mice can get inside almost any vehicle. At least that's been our experience.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I removed the light from the headliner and sure enough, there was a nest.

We were able to vacuum everything out. It wasn't bad.

It seems like mice can get inside almost any vehicle. At least that's been our experience.

Little bastards! You are correct, they can get into anything. We live on the edge of a prairie, it’s a constant battle. What I’ve learned, you need to put something there now to prevent a return visit even from a cousin. I don’t even have to bait the traps, they just come because of the scents.

 

[Scapino]

Little bastards! You are correct, they can get into anything.

I had a breakdown recently (with my BS Outer Banks) because the little bastards ate through my Crank Case Sensor wires! The BS went into 'Safe' mode and would only go 20mph.

 

[Kimg555]

Peppermint is a great deterant.

 

[Bronco II]

If the mice are getting inside the car find the air equalizer valve and attach screen wire to it. They were getting into my Mustang until I put screen over the equalizer. Don't know about the BS but on my Mustang the valve was located in the right rear lower quarter panel I had to remover the trim panels to get to it.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

If the mice are getting inside the car find the air equalizer valve and attach screen wire to it. They were getting into my Mustang until I put screen over the equalizer. Don't know about the BS but on my Mustang the valve was located in the right rear lower quarter panel I had to remover the trim panels to get to it.

They are in the rear on the BS and some have had them get stuck open.

 

[Bronclahoma]

They would have always taken the same trail to the nest. It is likely marked with urine. Might be helpful to locate entry point. Try putting a trap inside. No poison. You don't want them dying in there for sure! Good luck.

 

[Dude]

If the mouse trail is marked with mouse urine sajohnson could use a black light (at night when it’s dark) and follow their urine markings from headliner to their entry point assuming mouse urine lights up under black light. Makes for easier cleanup too.

There are other Forum posts that show pics of mouse entry points under the engine hood and show where those front entry points also need to be screened.
coopny’s Post #29 shows the pics and the thread has a lot of helpful mouse deterrent recommendations from coopny and others.
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/deterring-mice-from-the-bs-nesting-on-cabin-air-filter.9908/post-178561

 

[sajohnson]

Here's a radical idea -- auto mfrs could secure those entry points at the factory!

Nah, that's crazy talk...

We've had an RV for about 12 years. Generally speaking, rodents are a significant problem for many (most?) RV owners.

We had a very strange problem caused by mice -- the generator would start, and run fine (full power) but only for 3 minutes. Almost exactly 3 minutes each time. It stumped the techs at 2 Cummins-Onan shops. I finally found the answer on a forum. There are 2 wires that carry a signal that indicates the genset is running -- they had been chewed on and broken, so the control circuit (on the wall inside) was removing power from the fuel pump after it ran time. Cummins uses proprietary connectors so what should have been a $15 cable cost >$60.

That's my concern with the Badlands -- that those little bastards will chew through some wires, and it'll cost a lot more than $60.

BTW, over the years I've read about numerous methods for deterring rodents. For every person who swears that (say) Irish Spring soap works, there are several who say it does not. Our experience was that they EAT the soap!

 

[Dude]

… over the years I've read about numerous methods for deterring rodents.

Exactly. My opinion is the best defense for rodents is a couple of outdoor kitty cats. Feed the cats some but not too much if they are getting enough from the rodents and give them warm / dry shelter (no worries, cats will make more “employees” for you).
There will be collateral damage like birds and perhaps squirrels if those are on your property.

 

[sajohnson]

Exactly. My opinion is the best defense for rodents is a couple of outdoor kitty cats. Feed the cats some but not too much if they are getting enough from the rodents and give them warm / dry shelter (no worries, cats will make more “employees” for you).
There will be collateral damage like birds and perhaps squirrels if those are on your property.

We do have plenty of birds and squirrels (we put out sunflower seed).

The *cats* might be collateral damage if our Rottie/Boerboel (Lucy) gets them.

No, I think she'd leave them alone if we told her to. She doesn't go after copperheads and other snakes anymore.

We have hawks and owls, but IDK if they would go after cats.

We had 4 outdoor cats many years ago. They did fine. We gave them food and little 'cat houses' to get out of the cold, but they often sat on top of them, even on the coldest days (they had thick winter coats). Instead of taking them and the dogs to the vet, he came here (as a 'farm call') and gave them their shots.

I know they are effective against rodents, but I wonder about the ones that have nests in vehicles and buildings. I guess they have to come out sometime.

 

[Dude]

I know cats are effective against rodents, but I wonder about the ones that have nests in vehicles and buildings. I guess they have to come out sometime.

Unless you are growing crops in the Bronco Sport the cats will pick up the rodents scent and the cats keen hearing and eyesight will make quick work of the rodents exiting or entering your vehicles - just want to make sure the vehicle is rodent free before covering over entry points with screens.

Not even sure you could screen over all entry points in a vehicle

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