Protecting Your Car Against Common Insect Infestations

Protecting Your Car Against Common Insect Infestations

Protecting Your Car Against Common Insect Infestations

Lucy Wyndham
16 June 2021

The average car gets exposed to various types of dirt and grime that can cause considerable damage to the vehicle. Apart from various bugs sticking to your windscreen, hood and front bumper, spiders, roaches, flies and ants are also known to make themselves at home in cars whenever the opportunity arises. As these and other insects can damage the car, as well as have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing, it is essential to not only get rid of an infestation as fast as possible, but also take the necessary preventative measures to stop a common bug infestation from occurring and ruining your car in the first place.

Ants can cause considerable damage

Due to their diminutive size, ants can easily move into a car without being seen – until it's too late. A number of common ant species, including fire ants, can cause considerable damage to a car, especially if they go to work on your wiring, relays and switches. In addition to the damage they cause, some ants are also known to deliver painful bites that can cause considerable irritation, and even prove to be extremely dangerous, especially if the driver of the car is distracted by a bite while driving. When parking, make sure your car is not under a termite-infested tree, on top of an anthill, or close to foliage that is infested with insects. If you do notice ants in your car, give both the interior and exterior a thorough clean, and use an eco-friendly pesticide to get rid of the infestation.

Spiders can harm you and your car

Although the majority of spiders commonly found in homes and cars across the USA are not venomous to humans, you still want to do what is needed to prevent a spider infestation in your car. Harmless species such as daddy long legs and jumping spiders may look creepy, but they don’t pose a threat to your health like sac spiders or black widows. They can, however, serve as a dangerous distraction, and are even known to cause damage to the exterior. Keep your car spider-free by ensuring that your doors and windows are closed properly. Don’t leave your car idling, as it has been proven that the vibrations can aggravate spiders and attract them to the vehicle. If all else fails, make use of a natural spider repellent to protect yourself and your car against spiders.

Roaches are known to cause distress

Roaches enter cars for the same reason they enter homes – to find shelter, food, and a place to lay their eggs. Apart from causing great distress, roaches can also spread disease and damage the inside of your car. The easiest way to ensure that your car stays roach-free is to keep it clean. Refrain from eating inside your car where possible, and if you do, make sure you throw away any wrappers, empty containers, and bottles that may attract bugs. Also ensure the mats, carpeting and upholstery are clean by vacuuming them on a regular basis. If you do find that roaches have nested in your car, invest in a quality insecticide and bait trap to get rid of the problem quickly and effectively.

Insects can damage the interior of a car in many ways. By taking special precautions, you will be able to effectively avoid most infestations and keep your car in tip-top shape.