Keepin' the varmints out...

[Hold_Fast]

So the rex is with me this semester. Found a garage that was very inexpensive and only a few blocks away from my place. Only problem is it's a decently old structure, so it obviously isn't going to be varmint tight. So I'm looking for some tips or tips on keeping them out.

Right now the only things I'm planning on doing are:

- Relocate the lock on the door so it at least closes all the way.
- Put some adhesive foam or something the seal up the bottom of the door.
- Get a decent car cover for dust protection.
- Seal up exhaust and intake.
- Moth ball and desiccant pack in the interior.

Any other ideas? Any recommendations on a car cover?

[Speedette]

Wow seems like some extreme measures! How often are you going to be driving the car vs. letting it sit in said garage? What kind of vermin are we worried about--rats and/or bugs? Is this place known to have infestations of the sort?


Perhaps some mesh in the hoodscoop?

Maybe some roach/rat traps in front of your spot?

Or maybe carry around little snacks (i.e. cheese cubes) and put them under the cars farthest from yours?

[cavallino333]

I just finished getting my car in storage last week and I don't have a major vermin issue there but I just plugged up the airbox and exhaust to keep anything big out. I'd be worried about sealing up the doors too much as I imagine that would cause some moisture issues but maybe I'm wrong. I don't think anything major could get in as is. I used two of those baking soda fridge packs to absorb moisture and odors, I put one up front and one in the back area, of course maybe on a wrx you'd want one up from one in the back seat and one in the trunk.

I read in an issue of sports and exotic once that its a good idea to put a sheet of paper towel in the trunk and interior because mice will rip that apart first instead of the interior and you'll know something has been in there. Didn't do this personally but just a thought.

The other option is to get one of those car bubbles that uses a fan to keep it full of filtered air and keep contaminants and vermin out but it's expensive.

I bought a covercraft formfit cover. It was no cheap by any means but I didn't want to cheap out and end up with scratches and they are popular on the Ferrari forum so I figure if its good enough for that its good enough for my Z.

[Hold_Fast]

To start, the car will probably be sitting from Labor Day to the Thanksgiving Holiday. So it will have some time just sitting. I'm worried about small animals more then anything. The owner didn't mention any kind of infestation problems, it just looked to me like there would be potential for small animals taking shelter in there during the cold winter months (I'm in State College, PA). I'd rather do a little more work and keep any critters out.

It's a single car garage, so I'm not feeding the enemy. But I will probably pick up some insect traps to put around. And thank you for the tip on baking soda, that will be a much cheaper solution.

As far as a cover goes, I was looking at a little below $200 for a Block-It or WeatherShield brand cover. Not sure how the quality is, as I haven't found any reviews yet. Anyone familiar/own either?

[cavallino333]

As far as a cover goes, I was looking at a little below $200 for a Block-It or WeatherShield brand cover. Not sure how the quality is, as I haven't found any reviews yet. Anyone familiar/own either?

If your storing it in doors it's best not to get a waterproof or anti weather cover as it allows it to breath better. The main thing you want is just something for dust protection. This will make it cheaper too.

[Hold_Fast]

If your storing it in doors it's best not to get a waterproof or anti weather cover as it allows it to breath better. The main thing you want is just something for dust protection. This will make it cheaper too.

Yeah, I was planning on something that works well with dust protection. I'll have to see what I can find...