Like many classic car enthusiasts, your vintage vehicle is your pride and joy, and you go to great lengths to protect your investment. This includes storing your car in the safety of your garage. However, while your vehicle is safely protected from the elements, there is another unwanted invader lurking, and your car looks like an ideal spot to call home. Don't allow mice to call your classic car home and instead, here are a few simple ways you can protect your vehicle's interior and exterior from damage:

Will Mice Really Cause That Much Damage?

Mice are a nuisance, but are they really going to cause that much damage? If you're not sure whether the extra expense and time necessary to protect your vehicle is worth it, remember that keeping mice at bay isn't only about preventing damage, it's also about keeping your family healthy.

In addition to chewing through electrical wires and building nests under your vehicle's hood, mice also pose a much more serious threat. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the deer mouse is a carrier of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, or HPS.

HPS is a serious disease that is spread through the droppings, nests and urine of the deer mouse, and if your family comes into contact with the virus, the symptoms are potentially deadly. Preventing the spread of HPS is vital, and one of the easiest way to protect your family, and your investment, is to keep mice away from your garage.

Tips For Keeping Mice Away

Luckily, it won't take hours of preparation or hundreds of dollars to protect your classic car. Begin by following these few simple classic car storage tips:

• Clean out your vehicle before storing it during the winter. Remove any food or garbage, then thoroughly vacuum out the interior. The mice will look to your car for food and shelter, and if it is clean, your vehicle will look less attractive. You should do the same for your garage and pay special attention to remove any standing sources of water.
• Always store your vehicle is a secure garage. If you must park it outdoors, avoid areas that mice find attractive, such as a field of tall grass.
• Cover your car, whether it is parked indoors or outdoors. Weighing down the edges of the cover or tarp with heavy rocks or bricks will add a little more protection.

In addition to storing your vehicle correctly, there are a few additional ways to prevent mice from entering your vehicle:

• Set inexpensive bait traps, both inside and outside of the vehicle. Check the traps regularly, and replace them as needed.
• Utilize some natural methods to repel mice, as well. For example, moth balls have been known to repel mice, as has peppermint oil. If you utilize moth balls, make sure to keep them away from pets and children, as they are potentially dangerous if ingested.
• Finally, one of the safest, most effective ways to keep mice away from your vehicle is probably sitting curled at your feet: your pet cat. Weather permitting, let your cat run loose inside your garage for a few hours. If you decide to use a cat to eliminate mice from your garage, remove anything from the area that could potentially harm your furry hunter, including antifreeze, pesticides and other chemicals.

It only takes a few hours and a small investment to protect your classic car from mice. However, if you've taken all the above-mentioned precautions, and your still having trouble, it's time to call in a professional like Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control to handle the infestation.