How are the mice getting in on top of my cabin air filter?

2014 DCLB. I pulled my cabin filter today and it was piled with nuts and soaked with mouse piss on top of the filter. Where to these little vermin get in? I’ve had Tacomas since 2006 and never once had this happen. Is there anywhere else I should check for mouse stashes?

 

The holes under the cowl.
@dpele has a nice little mod that indirectly helps with that.

but if you block that they may move somewhere more dangerous.

 

There is a huge hole in the cowl - right above your glovebox. Gently remove the plastic fasteners and lift the passenger side of the plastic cover.


They can also enter the inlet air duct to the engine air filter assembly.

 

That is what I envisioned could be happening. I may just pull that apart like you did. Thank you!

 

A year ago while we were away at Christmas - a packrat moved into my engine air filter housing. Last straw for me - tore that out and screened it too...........

 

@hotrod53 I'd love to help you out!
I'd recommend KIT2 (CAD$80.00) or KIT4 (CAD$110.00) for you.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/for-sale-cowl-intake-snorkel-kits-and-hvac-screens.811746/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pele-prints-cowl-intake-snorkel-kits-and-hvac-screens.820061/