6 Common Bugs in Cars and How to Get Rid of Them

Seeing a few bugs in your car can be annoying, but finding an entire infestation can be frightening. No matter what creepy crawlers are bothering you, you need to know how to get rid of them and keep them at bay.

The most common bugs that cause infestations in your car are ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, spiders, fleas and carpet beetles. As you read this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of every one of these pests that have taken residence in your vehicle.

Ants

Discovering ant trails in your vehicle can immediately raise the alarm. However, it is highly unlikely that ants will permanently settle into your car. Ants aren’t searching for a new habitat, but only one thing – food. So the first step in getting rid of  an ant infestation in your car is to:

1. Remove any food leftovers: Start by eliminating food sources that may attract ants. Whether snacks are tucked away in the centre console, or kids eat in the back seat, cars can easily accumulate crumbs and attract ants. Ants will carry any leftover food back to the nest regardless of where it comes from.
2. Vacuum your car interior: After throwing away all possible food sources in your car, vacuum and clean the upholstery thoroughly. As ants are tiny creatures, you should focus on cracks and crevices around your vehicle.
3. Ant baits: You can try over-the-counter baits to get rid of the ants in your car. If you decide to place the bait, be sure to place the traps and leave your car unused for a few days so the ants have enough time to locate and feed on the bait. You can thoroughly clean your car once the ants have been lured to the bait. 
4. Call pest control company: You can always hire a professional ant exterminator if the infestation proves to be too severe and you cannot manage it on your own. 

You can prevent ants from infesting your car in the future by keeping your car clean, vacuuming regularly, sweeping up spilt drinks immediately, and checking regular parking areas for ants. Additionally,  keep in mind that parking under trees could provide ants and other pests with easy access to your vehicle. 

Learn How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants

Spiders

For many who fear spiders, finding the eight-legged creature staring at them from the steering wheel is a nightmare. The following tips will help you rid your car of spiders and prevent them from entering.

1. Remove clutter from the car: These crawlies prefer dark, cluttered areas, so you should eliminate favourable hiding spots in your vehicle.  Dispose of unnecessary items and strive to keep your car as clutter-free as possible. 
2. Vacuum and clean your car thoroughly: You can also prevent spiders from finding places to live within your vehicle by cleaning it out. Using a vacuum attachment with a tube, look for spider egg sacks, webs, or additional spiders and vacuum them away. The egg sacks of spiders are typically oval-shaped and silky in texture. Wipe down your car’s interior and vacuum the floors, paying particular attention to corners. To prevent spider infestations, clean your car every week.
3. Check your car’s doors: Test each door’s rubber seal for damage by running your finger along it. Replace or repair any cracked or broken rubber seals if you notice any. To keep spiders out of your car, rubber seals are essential. Clean the rubber seals with a wet washcloth if you see dirt or debris clogging them.
4. Use essential oils to repel spiders: Several essential oils, such as lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and citrus, are considered natural spider repellents because of their strong scents and tastes. Use a spray bottle filled with 2 cups of water and 5-7 drops of essential oil to spray around your car. You can do this regularly, as essential oils are known to evaporate quickly. 
5. Eucalyptus leaves as a non-toxic spider repellant: The smell of eucalyptus can also be unpleasant for spiders. Fresh eucalyptus leaves can be placed in your car’s trunk or glove box to ward off spiders.

The presence of spiders can be uncomfortable for some people, despite their generally harmless and beneficial nature. The techniques above can keep spiders away from your car, regardless of whether you’re preventing or controlling an infestation. Using natural spider repellents and cleaning your vehicle frequently will help keep these crawlies away.

Learn What attracts spiders to your house

Roaches

You must act quickly when it comes to eliminating cockroach infestation. To get rid of roaches in your car, follow these steps:

1. Declutter: By removing any unnecessary items from your vehicle, you can lessen the risk of cockroaches being attracted to your car in the future. As we’ve mentioned before, clutter creates a perfect hiding space for cockroaches and other insects, so keep your car space clutter-free.
2. Cleaning the interior: You should vacuum your car’s interior thoroughly, paying particular attention to upholstery, carpets, and the dashboard – common hiding places for cockroaches. For surface cleaning, use a disinfectant-containing solution.
3. Spray insecticide: Consider using an insecticide spray targeting specifically cockroaches in cars and severe infestations. Use the product according to instructions, ensuring proper ventilation.
4. Using roach traps and baits: Using gel bait and traps can also effectively remove cockroaches from your vehicle. Place them under seats or in glove compartments where these pests tend to hide. Alternatively, you can mix baking soda and sugar to make your non-toxic roach bait, which will attract the insects and dehydrate their exoskeletons.
5. Professional cockroach treatment: Consider hiring a pest control professional if all else fails and the infestation persists. An experienced pest technician can identify an infestation’s source and recommend the most effective treatment.

The sooner you eliminate cockroaches from your car, the better.  If you want to learn how cockroaches get in cars and other details, check our guide on How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in a Car. 

Cockroach droppings, shed skin, and saliva can trigger allergies and asthma. It is possible for roaches to chew through the upholstery and fabrics in your car, leaving behind unsightly holes and damage that can be expensive to repair.

Learn How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Home

Bed bugs

Bed bugs can enter your car through your clothes, furniture, bags, or other items. A bed bug’s primary source of food is blood. While they must eat to survive, they can go without a blood meal for a long time. The nymphs and adults of bed bugs can survive up to a year without food.

Before hiring a professional bed bug exterminator, you can try several options:

1. Heat against bed bugs: In hot weather, park your car in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures can assist in eliminating bed bugs. Close the car’s windows and doors during this process. Approximately 50°C is sufficient to kill bed bugs and their eggs. It is also possible to increase the temperature of the car with a portable heater or by leaving the heating on for a few hours.
2. Steam clean: Use a handheld steam cleaner to treat all areas of the car where bed bugs may be present. Focus on crevices, seats, and other places where bugs can hide.
3. Vacuum thoroughly: Use a powerful hoover with a crevice tool to clean all car surfaces. Bed bugs may hide in seams, cracks, and gaps. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside the vehicle.
4. Wash whatever you can: Launder removable seat covers or other washable fabrics at the highest temperature allowed for the material. Also, use the hottest setting to dry them, as the heat will kill any remaining bed bugs instantly.
5. Bed bug sprays: You can use a residual bed bug spray specifically designed for use in cars to help rid the vehicle of bed bugs. Read the product label carefully before using it.
6. Diatomaceous Earth (DE): It is a natural desiccant that can help dry out bed bugs and kill them. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth where bed bugs may hide.
7. Follow up: Watch your car for signs of bed bug activity. Repeat the cleaning and treatment process if necessary.

If you don’t see results with home remedies and the infestation is severe, consider hiring a professional pest control service specialising in bed bug infestations.

Learn more about How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Carpet beetles

Your car may have tasty materials that appeal to carpet beetles, such as leather seats, car mats. Carpet beetles usually infest vehicles through the windows and ventilation systems.

Once inside, their larvae feed on fabrics such as seats and carpets that contain natural fibres. You should act quickly if you suspect an infestation or spot a carpet beetle. Here are some tips for removing carpet beetles from your car:

1. Vacuum carpet beetles: Use your vacuum cleaner to remove carpet beetles from your car quickly. Remember to go over the floorboards! Try to remove all bugs hidden under and between the seats. Lift the removable seats out of your car and inspect them for larvae or eggs. Since carpet beetle larvae are so tiny, getting to them can be challenging, but you must do your best to stop the infestation.
2. Use a steam cleaner: It is possible to kill carpet beetles and their eggs with a steam cleaner. Clean your car’s interior with steam, paying particular attention to damaged areas.
3. Carpet beetle killer: Specifically designed insecticides are available for carpet beetles. Always choose a safe product for use in vehicles, and carefully follow all instructions on the label. Sprinkle the insecticide on the areas where you found beetles or suspect they are present.
4. Car seat covers and mats: Take out your car’s removable seat covers and floor mats and wash them in hot water. The high temperature will destroy any beetle larvae or eggs.
5. Seek pest professional: To effectively tackle the infestation, consider seeking professional pest control services if it is severe or persists despite your efforts.

Keeping your car clean and pest-free will prevent carpet beetles from infesting the interior. Again, do not leave food crumbs, trash, or organic materials inside your car. Keep your vehicle clutter-free to ensure carpet beetles cannot find food sources there.

Fleas

Getting rid of fleas in your car can be challenging, but you can eliminate them effectively with a systematic approach. Remove fleas from your vehicle with the following step-by-step guide:

1. Eliminate potential flea habitats: Get all removable fabrics from your car, including floor mats, seat covers, and other items. To kill fleas and their eggs, wash them in hot water. To clean an item that can’t be washed, thoroughly vacuum it.
2. Hoover the interior: Use a powerful vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to thoroughly clean your car. Ensure carpets, upholstery, and the space between seat cushions are checked for fleas.
3. Use flea repellents: Diatomaceous earth or borax are natural flea repellents. These substances should be sprinkled over carpets and upholstery, let the powder sit for several hours, and then vacuumed.
4. Wash your car’s exterior: Finding fleas outside your car is also possible. You should thoroughly wash the vehicle, including the tires and wheel wells, to remove any fleas that may be hiding.
5. Treat pets and their surroundings: Fleas are normally transmitted by pets. Treat your pets with flea medication and wash their bedding regularly. Prevent reinfestation by treating your home and any areas where your pets spend time.

When dealing with fleas, consistency is key. Several repetitions of these steps may be necessary to ensure that all fleas and their eggs have been effectively eliminated from your car. If the infestation persists despite your best efforts, you should seek professional assistance.

Is it possible for rodents to infest cars?

Yes, rats and mice can infest cars. It is a relatively common problem, especially in certain regions or at specific times of the year. Rodents can nest in the trunk and spare tire compartment, the passenger compartment, and the tailgate and headlight enclosures. Rust holes, vents, and ducting provide entry points for mice and rats.

Again keeping your car clean is key for preventing rodents from getting into it, and your garage should be free of anything that might attract rats or mice.

Learn more about How to Keep Mice Out of the Car Engine Compartment

Takeaways

• You can avoid bugs and pests from infesting your car by keeping it clean and clutter-free at all times;
• It is recommended that you contact a pest control company when you cannot handle certain pest infestations;
• The most common cause for bug infestations in cars is the accumulation of food and clutter;
• Whenever you apply insecticides inside a car, use specially designed products and ensure that the vehicle is properly ventilated;

Image source: gan chaonan / Shutterstock.com

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