Rodent Invasion: When Field Mice Move into Your Silverado

Sometimes the weirdest jobs start with the most innocent complaint. “It’s cranking a bit longer than normal and feels a bit rough.” That was all the MBR (member) said when I rolled up to check out his Chevy Silverado.

No check engine light. No codes. Just that something felt off.

Lucky for him, my senses are always tingling when a truck sits around a bit too long. I’ve seen what happens when nature moves in under the hood—and let’s just say it usually ends with a workshop visit.

This one was textbook. The truck hadn’t seen much action lately, and the dusty engine bay helped tell the story—tiny footprints all over the place. A full rodent dance party around the airbox. Sure enough, when I cracked open the lid and pulled the filter, a family of field mice scattered in every direction.

Nice cozy home, until I ruined the party.

A quick cleanout sorted the issue—mouse nests make for terrible airflow—but I gave the member a heads-up: bait the garage. These little guys don’t just squat—they chew. And they love nothing more than snacking on wiring looms.

In fact, I told him about another recent callout. A diesel truck that parked regularly over a drain had unknowingly adopted a rat with a plastic fetish. It chewed clean through the fuel lines—front to back. A total write-off on the fuel system.

Turns out, he hired a rental car to get around in the meantime. And guess what? Same rat, same problem. I got that call too. Rat took one look at those fresh lines and thought, “round two.”

Time for some target practice, if you ask me.

Northcap’s Tip:

Rodents love warm engines, parked trucks, and tight spaces. If your vehicle sits for long periods—especially in winter—check under the hood now and then. Look for:

• Droppings or footprints in dust
• Chewed wiring or foam insulation
• Nesting material in the airbox or cabin filter

If you spot the signs, it’s time for a 12-gauge—or at least a bait box.

– Northcap