I have enjoyed my AMG GLA 35 since purchasing it in March 2024. Two weeks ago (mid-November 2024), I discovered a rodent chewed off the packing material in the AC blower. MB service confirmed that it is just a packing material, so there is no harm to the part; hence, there is no need to worry.


I have thoroughly sanitized the car, got the engine bay sprayed with Rodent Repellant from 3M, and changed my parking spot in front of my house. To my surprise, I still found rodent droppings in the boot Also it chewed off the 3M Nomad foot mat (a very small part)

I started reading on the internet, and I found hundreds of ideas. With this knowledge, I chalked out a plan.

1. Started spraying water-diluted Lavender Reed oil around the car and wheel bays.

2. I have installed three surveillance cameras inside the car(one each in the foot-whell and another in the boot). These cameras run on a power bank and alert me of any movement inside the vehicle when parked.

3. I have also installed one more camera under the car, pointing to the engine bay and all four wheels. If motion is detected, it blows a siren and flashlight.

4 Ordered CarCat-Red from www.carcat.in (awaiting guidance from MB Service to get this fixed)

Since adopting the above deterrence approaches, I have yet to see an intrusion.

Here are a few captures of how the surveillance cameras are helping me deter the un-welcomed guests.


A big rodent under the car in the middle of the night


A cat (that could drive away the rodents) tried to get into the car bonnet.


A swift Jerry playing

If it was not the camera's alarm with sound and flashing light, I have a strong reason to worry about further damage to the car.

Here are some pictures of how I have setup additional cameras inside the car as well (at all potential entry points)


Boot


Left footwell (you can see the U shaped chewed off carpet liner )


Right footwell


Frog (I was happy it's not a snake .. as of now)


Multiple layers of deterrence are a must. Keeping the surroundings clean and clear, 3M Rodent Spray is used for the bonnet, and cameras are used to detect and alarm. Finally, ultrasound rate repellent.

I have read online about how people spend much money after a rodent attack on a car. Mercedes Benz should consider installing in-car surveillance cameras and one camera under the car (that could pop out when parked) to detect and alert any pesky intruders like cats, rats, snakes, etc. At the least, customers would know an unwanted visitor inside the car.

It is a minor feature that will protect the customer and their investment, allowing them to sleep peacefully.

Please share your comments and stories if any.

 

Incredible persistence on the part of those rats (and your part as well!). There are also ultrasonic deterrents that are solar powered that I have used at our second home.

A few years ago my Harley Electraglide Ultra Classic was attacked. I that case they chewed some wiring and it looked like they were nesting in behind the front headlight. Fortunately they did not come back.

 

We recently hired a new doctor - in the doctors (now former) office........

 

I would also encourage you to purchase some Mouse Blocker products. You can buy one for your engine bay and you can also buy one that will cover your entire garage. So sorry you're having this problem.

 

DEET, its not just for insects.
purchase a small bottle of 100% Deet and mix it with water in a squirt bottle. soak everything under the hood and let it dry. repeat every 30 days. feed the rodents outside with those blocks of poison laid along the foundation..

Calif housing developments built near fruit orchards are inundated with rats shortly after each harvest. The DEET prevents them from nesting and chewing any exterior wiring (pool heaters, ac units, ect). Peanut oil has been used in wire insulation during the manufacturing process so rodents are drawn to it.

 

Hi Juststeve, Thank you so much for sharing information about DEET. I will adopt the suggested approach.