SL/R129: R129 Mouse Problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 4
06 ML500
R129 Mouse Problem
Hi all, my dad owns a 98 SL500 and recently had a mouse get in the car and the trunk. It only chewed up some papers and the tool kit but we want to stop it before it does any more. The car will sit for a period of time during the winter so this is why they are looking for a way in. Do any of you know spots where a mouse could get in the car and or the trunk? Is there a drain hole in the trunk? A way in through the firewall? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cody
Thanks,
Cody
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
2002 SL600 Silver Arrow, 2009 Smart, 1966 300SE Cabriolet
I believe there's a plastic ventilation flapper in the battery compartment and I've heard of instances where rodents accessed the interior of the car through that flapper valve.
I've solved the problem with a two pronged attack. First I put small jars filled with cotton ***** soaked in peppermint oil near any access point. Next I put strobe lights in any
area in the car rodents might access.
What I understand is rodents function primarily using scent and the potent scent of the peppermint oil confuses them so they tend to stay away also since they are active mostly
at night they avoid bright lights such as the strobes.
I've had no rat visitors since adopting this strategy.
Good Luck
Aloha
I've solved the problem with a two pronged attack. First I put small jars filled with cotton ***** soaked in peppermint oil near any access point. Next I put strobe lights in any
area in the car rodents might access.
What I understand is rodents function primarily using scent and the potent scent of the peppermint oil confuses them so they tend to stay away also since they are active mostly
at night they avoid bright lights such as the strobes.
I've had no rat visitors since adopting this strategy.
Good Luck
Aloha
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
While the rodent problem has happened with most vehicles I haves stored, not so for actively driven or stored within sealed door garages.
The strong odor is what I have used. I buy a product from a farm supply store. They come in small bags and they are placed in engine bay, trunk, interior.
The engine air intakes are popular with my vermin. The car barn has two aggressive cats! the down side, sometimes they leave entrails in and around the vehicles!
In AZ I leave a night light under the vehicle. Good luck with your rodents.
The strong odor is what I have used. I buy a product from a farm supply store. They come in small bags and they are placed in engine bay, trunk, interior.
The engine air intakes are popular with my vermin. The car barn has two aggressive cats! the down side, sometimes they leave entrails in and around the vehicles!
In AZ I leave a night light under the vehicle. Good luck with your rodents.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
From: Seattle
2002 G500, 1961 190b, 2001 SL500 Sport
I had one in my SL too. He chewed a hole in the headliner and left a bunch of garbage in the softtop well. My convertible top guy found it and said it was common on SLs. Now I keep a strawberry scented tree in there. I also keep one in under the hood of that car and my others.
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 13
From: The boonies of Idaho
2002 Mercedes Benz SL500
Go buy 4 plain old fashion mouse traps, the kind your grandfather used. Home Depot has Victors (the best), put a little peanut butter inside the trigger, arm them and set one on the ground with the trigger facing the bottom of the tire on the outside of each wheel. Guaranteed you will catch the little bast*rd(s). They are really attracted to peanut butter. That's how I take care of all my cars. I live on 5 acres with farms all around and mice are a real pita around here. Between traps and poison bait stations, I have pretty much decimated the mouse population.
Remember to check the traps every couple of days and be prepared to deal with them when their dead, get some rubber gloves. The only good mouse, is a dead mouse... Specially one that is trying to eat my car. Also, it's not true that they eat the plastic on the wires, they sharpen their teeth on it. Same effect though.
Good luck!
Mike
Remember to check the traps every couple of days and be prepared to deal with them when their dead, get some rubber gloves. The only good mouse, is a dead mouse... Specially one that is trying to eat my car. Also, it's not true that they eat the plastic on the wires, they sharpen their teeth on it. Same effect though.
Good luck!
Mike
