Did others in your parking garage experience similar damage? I can't imagine that the rodents simply had a taste for MINI (though if they did, it's proof that even rodents have good taste).

What of the claim against the garage owner for not addressing rodent control?

Please post information as it becomes available. Not that I want to exploit your misery (I really really am sorry for you and your precious MINI), but because this could happen to many of us city dwellers.

 

It seemed like it was in a isolated area, and I was the unfortunate person to park there. I can't help but think that others are at risk since, people are still parking near that area. rodents are opportunistic animals and will find shelter where ever they deem fit (which is practically anywhere)
The owner of my loft complex is being very proactive about it. It seems that he might own the parking structure as well and has a parking service run it. So for the most part I think he will be covering the cost. Which is a relief..I contacted my insurance just in case and it would be covered through them if matters do not get resolved with the owner.

Honestly though..I feel like my car is ruined. Its not like I have the best build year, and having something like this happen makes me worry it will never be put back together properly.

 

That is miserable. Here in Germany we have a weasel like animal that will do this as well. One way to keep them out if you have this problem is Cayenne Pepper. I know this won't help you know, but if you have to park in that area it my not be a bad idea to sprinkle some under the hood.

 

Their called martens right? They kind of look like ferrets. Cayenne pepper sounds like a good idea I give it a go when my car is back in my possession.

 

Wow...your car is even worse than mine was when I discovered the rodent damage. I sure hope you get your problem remedied. I ended up using some stuff in a shaker bottle that keeps the critters away www.critter-repellant.com Hopefully, this will help solve your problem, too.

 

Yep, cute little critters that will chew on anything.

 

And here I thought I was the only one!

I had brand new Magnacor wires for about two week. One day on the way to work (it was fall and a cool night before). The MINI hiccuped while on the freeway and the check engine light cam on. Naturally WTF? I checked when I arrived and it appears a squirrel had taken a liking to my red wires. I say squirrel and not a rat since I have never seen a rat around the homestead BUT I have plenty of adventurous squirrels. I could make out the frigg'n teath markes!

I wrapped the wire with electrical tape and contacted the Magnacor distributor which happens to be only 20 minutes away. He sold me just one and I was on my way. The check engine light went out after 7 to 10 cycles.

That was one of the few times I parked the MINI outside....Garaged now!

So there! You Vile red wire eating rodents!

Now if only I can take care of the pigeons that like to watch me leave the garage from their highwire roost....

-C

 

DP,

So sorry to hear of the complete destruction... my first post was a poor attempt at a joke, but now I realize the extent of your damage.

I've had mice in the garage working on the gourds I've got hanging there. Just as easily they could have taken a liking to my Liberator. This is a wake up call to get the varmits out-a-there.

Hope all works out for the best and you get some more enjoyable miles in your MINI.

Sir M.

 

Mice are eating the passenger seat in my car. I have heated seats, so when they finally eat the entire thing, the cost is going to be quite a bit. I've tried everything, including stuffing mothballs into the seat and a stocking filled with moth ***** in the engine compartment. They ate the spark plug wires. I've also used various sprays.

 

I have mice too. I read this post and checked it out - much chewing just like your first picture. I went and bought one of those ultrasonic pest things.

 

Did the ultrasonic machine work? Did it keep the ice out of your car?

 

Yep, and they must have a taste for all things MINI or BMW, 'cause they ate through my buddy's 5-series

 

I can't tell yet. I just got it yesterday.

The neighbor's cats had been doing a great job of catching them, but the daughter moved out and took them with. I think I'll buy the stuff in a can too, just to be sure.

I cannot do traps or poison, not even for my car.

 

I have seen this happen to a clk convertible that was stored in a barn during the winter. needless to say most of the car had to come apart to replace the central witing harness.

 

I have those sticky pads in my car. I was showing the mechanic that this morning and -- there they were -- two mice stuck to this thing...still alive. I was driving down the street the other day and one mouse was leisurly rambling around the car. I picked him up and put him out in a field. I am having the seat taken out of my car to check for God knows what. Talked to a guy this morning who bought an ultrasonic and it did not work. I'm eager to hear about your luck.

 

Good night DeniseK, I can't believe you still have your mice I think the cayene pepper sprinkling sounds like a good suggestion. If you sprinkle it under your seat the little suckers would get it all over their little ratty feet & get a nice hot surprise later on when they lick them.

 

Got my car back today, and the owners of my building complex paid for all the repairs and were extremely awesome about the whole ordeal.

My car runs fine, but my roofliner has a hole, and there is grease smudges and scratches on the paneling and roofliner..and other areas as well :impatient Called my MA and I need to bring her back to the dealer tomorrow...damn when will it end. You would think for as much as they charge for labour one would not have to incur these sorts of unnecessary problems.

Here's a picture of my junk pile of rat damaged parts.

 

Went to the dealer and they pulled out the seat. The varmints eating the bottom of the seat. They didn't find any inside the seat. Now they're thinking that the mice are living in the well where the back seat belt retracts. I'm trying dryer sheets now. Working on my second set of spark plug wires.