Question about critter damage

New 4vrunner owner coming from a Jeep Gladiator Diesel. Question concerning critter under body electrical wiring damage. I experienced some squirrel damage on my two hood tieddown latches on the jeep where they sharpen their teeth or just plain ate the plastic latches. I had to replace both with metal latch and locks. And I heard of some electrical wire damage from mice chewing the wire. Is this an issue with the 4runner wiring? Just being pro active if it's been observed by seasoned owners. I hate to be serving up a tasty meal on wheels if I can prevent it. Ha!

 

Yes, it is like all you can eat night.

 

I *just* discovered rodent damage (I suspect squirrels) on my 4R for the 2nd time. The first time was just a little over a year ago.

The repair bill was $9000+. Multiple wiring harnesses had to be replaced and much of the bill was for 28 hours of shop labor.

I had been dousing the engine with a peppermint oil spray regularly since the last occurrence. Reading up on that showed very mixed reviews, but I tried it anyway.

I can now say that it does NOTHING to repel the critters that chewed my wiring most recently. I know because I did a fresh application after discovering the damage yesterday morning, and in an effort to keep more damage from occurring. Less than 24 hours later, I found a very fresh/large nest in the same spot where there had just been chewed wires before.

My auto insurance will cover the repairs, minus my deductible. It sucks that this has happened to me twice in such a short time.

I had an '06 Tacoma for 12 years, that I parked outside for 12 years, in the same spot as I now park my 4Runner. Never had an issue with rodent damage on the Taco... :-(

 

Rodent damage a is real concern, plenty of open space under the 4Runner for rodents to crawl up through. Rodents are attracted to warm engines in cold weather, and they build nests too.
Get some stinking rodent repellant in powder form from Home Depot, throw some around the tires and sleep in peace.

 

Super easy for a rat or squirrel to get to the engine bay through that space. I don't know about you but I live in a freaking forest full of critters

 

Thanks. Forewarned is fourarmed. Time to get some new mothballs packets.

 

Mothballs repel rodents?

 

I've used mothballs around the garage doors for years to prevent mice coming in. Used to get into my attic from under siding some years ago. Started using mothballs and eliminated the problem. Neighbor next to me had an infestation of them a couple years ago but they never came to my house after she drove them away with a professional exterminator. I suspect the balls will help with squirrels also.

 

Good luck. If you still see signs of rodent activity(their faeces) on the engine cover or under it, then switch to this powder. It has worked for me. It has peppermint, garlic and other nasty smelling stuff that rodents hate and run away from.
Leaves(even if just one leaf) in the engine bay are also a sign of critter activity

 

My Northern Virginia Toyota dealer will replace the wiring harness on my 23 4Runner for $12,500.00. Let me know if you'd like a referral.

 

Details/link for the powder in question?

 

From Home Depot

 

Yeah - when I was down in Montana for a few years the little red squirrels would do this in my 4Runner. That started a multi-year "war" between me and the squirrels. The body count was high, but they just kept on coming. I think my high tally was 28 or so in one season.