How to prevent rodents from getting into blower fan and ducts?
I have a 2007 Endeavor which must be parked outside. I've had repeated
instances of large pack rats getting into the blower fan and ducts. They
bring in large sticks, long branches, and evergreen pine branches with
needles still attached. They must have found a large entry place. I've taken
apart the glove box and passenger dash but cannot find where they get in.
I suspect it may be the air plenum but I can find it. Can you suggest where
a large entry might be?
I think you need a exterminator, get rid of the problem.
AFAIK the openings that lead to the HVAC box are in the front cowl area. This page shows how to fix blockage in the HVAC box, it should give you some pics of duct openings. http://www.import-car.com/tech-tip-fixing-mitsubishi-hvac-blockage-and-overflow/ - you may want to thoroughly clean out your vents too, as debris can block the blend/mode doors.
OK. So I'll remove the cowls and look for evidence of entry under there. I've snaked the ducts and found loads of stuff. Large branches so the entry must be big. Pack rats are big dudes. Not mice or chipmunks. The blower fan resistor burned out when the blower fan didn't turn. Replaced that resistor already. Just got to find that entry. Anywhere else to look? Thanks.
Exterminator is a good idea but I live in very rural mountainous area with lots of wildlife. Can't kill all the critters out there. I was told to put peppermint oil all over the interior.
I'm not familiar with your specific car, but typically every car I've worked on has the air intake for the HVAC at the cowl. Look at the area where your wiper arms mount, you'll find a vented screen that leads to a box with a drain (as water can get into it), that has another opening on the sides of it that lead to the fan's 'bird cage.' (blower). If that screen is missing or loose, that's likely how they are getting in. The area at the back of the fenders is hollow, where water/debris from the cowl can drain to the ground, it's a perfect passage for critters to climb up to the cowl area. This area can sometimes get blocked with leaves and other debris, too. The area where the fender meets cowl/firewall and center of cowl (where screened vent opening is) are the areas to look.
If the peppermint oil don't work, get some "Rodent Gone" Spray from AMazon... It took care of my big rodent problem in the attic... They can't stand the smell... It makes them very sick and kills them on contact...
