Field Mice
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Field Mice
Searched archive and really didn't find too much info - so thought I'd ask directly.
Last spring - I had the unfortunately pleasure of having a field mouse die in the cab of my '04 F-150. Of course, you don't really know this until it smells really bad! After considerable searching over multiple days, . . . I was able to locate the carcass buried in the dash and removed what I could (a part fell below an accessible area). Smell never fully disappeared.
I started setting a trap so I wouldn't have to go through this again. Over the last 2 weeks, with the weather turning colder, I have removed 5 mice for inside the cab. They are obviously getting in somewhere/somehow. This is not my first Ford to experience this - had the same issue with an '03 Explorer , in that case I could never locate the dead mouse - had to wait that one out.
So, . . . it seams to me this might be a common issue with the 04 F-150 and with Fords in general. Does anyone know where these critters are getting in and/or how to stop this? FWIW - I sold my Explorer because of this - replaced with a Highlander that so far has never been infiltrated by mice. I really don't have a replacement option for the F-150.
Thanks in advance, . . .
Last spring - I had the unfortunately pleasure of having a field mouse die in the cab of my '04 F-150. Of course, you don't really know this until it smells really bad! After considerable searching over multiple days, . . . I was able to locate the carcass buried in the dash and removed what I could (a part fell below an accessible area). Smell never fully disappeared.
I started setting a trap so I wouldn't have to go through this again. Over the last 2 weeks, with the weather turning colder, I have removed 5 mice for inside the cab. They are obviously getting in somewhere/somehow. This is not my first Ford to experience this - had the same issue with an '03 Explorer , in that case I could never locate the dead mouse - had to wait that one out.
So, . . . it seams to me this might be a common issue with the 04 F-150 and with Fords in general. Does anyone know where these critters are getting in and/or how to stop this? FWIW - I sold my Explorer because of this - replaced with a Highlander that so far has never been infiltrated by mice. I really don't have a replacement option for the F-150.
Thanks in advance, . . .
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
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From: SE Georgia
they're either coming in from a Cab drain plug, cab access, or the firewall
Cab Access: on the back of the cab between the bed and cab. you'll see 2 3" ovals. Check their integrity.
Cab Drain: on the floors. might have to remove the seats and pull carpet up.
Firewall: sounds like your culprit...especially since you had one die in there. get a good flashlight and spend some time under the hood. don't forget to check the bottom side from beneath the truck.
Those mice are pesky little ****s. Most likely 1 ate a hole through a rubber grommet. And now you have a mouse highway
Cab Access: on the back of the cab between the bed and cab. you'll see 2 3" ovals. Check their integrity.
Cab Drain: on the floors. might have to remove the seats and pull carpet up.
Firewall: sounds like your culprit...especially since you had one die in there. get a good flashlight and spend some time under the hood. don't forget to check the bottom side from beneath the truck.
Those mice are pesky little ****s. Most likely 1 ate a hole through a rubber grommet. And now you have a mouse highway
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Well, . . . that was straight forward. Shortly after opening the hood I could see where they are getting through. Little SOBs eat through a firewall groment that was cut through by the plow installer for the wire harness. I'm sure the plow guy put some form of seal back on - but it is totally open now and the sleeve/shielding on the wires were eaten through as well.
Now to figure out the best way to plug it. Thanks for the tips!!!
Now to figure out the best way to plug it. Thanks for the tips!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: BC Canada
As a secondary note, I hear they dislike the smell or something about dryer sheets.
I cannot confirm this, just heard it.
But it might be worth sticking a few of those dryer sheets up under the dash as well as plugging off the hole you found.
I cannot confirm this, just heard it.
But it might be worth sticking a few of those dryer sheets up under the dash as well as plugging off the hole you found.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
I have heard this too and use them in my tent Camper for the last 6 years, so far so good.. Plus they will give a pleasent smell.
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You could also dab some cougar or bobcat urine/scent around it. LOL!
My friend did that to keep squirrels out of his attic... said the urine/scent was almost as bad as the squirrels munching through everything up there.
My friend did that to keep squirrels out of his attic... said the urine/scent was almost as bad as the squirrels munching through everything up there.
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From: Wadsworth, Ohio
Super Moderator
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From: MA
I get mine straight from the tap....
Someone had to
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
You can fill the hole with GreatStuff expandable foam. Mice dislike it and will not chew threw it. As for it being fire/heat proof, I am not sure and that would be something youll need to check before you have a real FIREwall.