Chipmunks in my 2017 Tacoma, ARGH!

Has anyone else had problems with Chipmunks getting into the air intake all the way to bottom of the air filter box? There is no grid or screen to keep them from doing it. Once they make it into that nice cozy square box just below the filter they seem to lose track of how to get out, or die in the "ride". "YUK, what's that smell?" As an aside, I've also had chipmunks get into my 2013 Prius and make it all the way to the glove box, and beyond? Ok, no smart alec comments by saying 410 shotgun is the best resolve. Just interested in any similar experiences. I'm about to try again to go up through the Toyota food chain to get some one on one discussion. Like to hear from those that have experienced or resolved similar problems. Thanks for not wasting my time with just being cute. Bob

 

Welcome to the forum. It’s been mentioned here before. I think that the solution was to put a screen over the input. Try searching (upper right corner) for key words. Good luck

 

Common problem, search about mice also you will see some more information

 

Alvin, Simon...Theodore.

 

There are lots of tips on this thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/effing-mice.461226/

 

Put some hardware cloth over the opening

 

Just leave some peanuts on your front seat then they won’t eat the wires.

 

A 410 would work, but a .22 Shot shell could be a little more fun and exciting.

Sorry to waste your time bob, but I figure this comment would be better than the ones telling you to get a cat, because cats are for pussies.



On a serious note, you can grab a piece of woven wire mesh from Home Depot and cut it to fit around the intake. This should keep them out. Seems like a common problem on these trucks as I’ve seen multiple threads about mice problems. Toyota won’t do shit, and the dealer is just gonna end up charging you to investigate.

 

Get a Cat!

 

How/where do they get in? Seriously. Pic or diagram would help. Have looked but I can not imagine how they get in.

 

Get some expanded metal and put it over the intake opening. I've seen people talk about sprinkling cayenne pepper around too

 

And while doing preventative work, you should do some for your AC intake as well.

This was written about a 2nd gen, but I'll bet the 3rd gen is similar enough to apply this info.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rust-varmit-and-ac-clogging-prevention-project.557970/

 

I haven't had any problems with my Tacos, but my finances T4R had a mouse/chipmunk get into her filter box. Not happy about it. Next day, I went on a killing spree, and anything alive and breathing that wasn't human/cat/dog died. Well, no more issues with her T4R. Now I've got one in my attic, which I'll be attacking today. Pew pew.

 

Critters love to move into a warm vehicle this time of year. They can cause a lot of damage, especially wire harnesses. Even if you park in a garage those bastards will find a way. I suggest going full Bill Murray, just go easy on C4.

 

I know a good way to get rid of them, it's not nice by no means but it's effective.
5 gallon bucket half filled with water. Make a few ramps going up to it. Sprinkle little bit of sunflower seeds on ramps leading into bucket. Couple hand fulls of seeds in the bucket. Come back after a couple of days and you should have chipmunk and mice soup.
Repeat process as needed.

 

You could also try some moth balls in your airbox...it might keep them out.

 

In case it has been mentioned, or before it gets mentioned, moth balls and peppermint oil WILL NOT deter them.
Had them in my F350, and found them living in the cabin filter and storing nuts in the intake of my Camry. At wits end, I took the huge gamble of poisoning them out. While they died where I was able to get at and dispose of the corpses, I wouldn't do it again knowing now just how long the poisoning process takes.

 

Moth balls, pepper spray, wire mesh, it can be a battle. Live traps baited with peanut butter, disposal can be a relocation,or euthanasia. Neighbor had a wire harness chewed on, $1800.00 parts and labor, car was parked in the garage. NO BIRD FEEDERS,they will be fine. Some car manufacturers used a soy based plastic wire insulation, it did not go well.

 

Lol. Just make sure no one is in the house before you go all Rambo in the attic