Rats--ways to block

Cabin air intake, below windshield, is the main entry point. They might get in through the hybrid battery vents, at rear corners below hatch floor. Worthile meshing the engine air intake snorkel too.

I’ve done the cabin air intake and snorkel, using 1/4” mesh galvanized steel rodent shield. I should get on those hybrid battery vents too.

for the cabin air intake you need to remove the wipers, wiper motor with its linkage, and probably the metal cowl beneath.

 

Oh that's really a shame! We've had mice issues where we park out RV and, years ago, was told to put cut-up bars of Irish Springs soap (the original ones) all around inside the camper. Since we started doing that, haven't any mice issues. Apparently, they hate the smell so much they quickly leave if they do come in. Not sure if also repeals rats, though...I've have rat traps all around the car or get a good outdoor cat to catch them.

 

I've heard peppermint oil also repels them.

Screening the rear air exits may require removing the bumper cover.

 

Mice are a real pain in the butt. Solve this problem easily:

Keep mice out. Easy diy... (before they get in) | PriusChat

 

Yeah I've looked at it from the inside, seemed awkward. Can't remember exactly why; might have another look. There's gotta be a way.

 

I don't know how easy it is on V, but on Gen4 and my PP, the rear air vent was easily accessible by just removing the decking. Still requires some disassembly of the plastic, bolt, and pins. Again, my experience is only for the PP, but it also applies to Gen4 and earlier Prius. For the front engine compartment, there is just no way to completely prevent rodents from entering. You can block off the HVAC air intake to prevent mice from entering the cabin and nesting on top of the cabin filter. But that requires removing the wiper motor and cowl. Instead, I just covered the cabin filter case with hardwire cloth. This prevents the mice to chew on the cabin filter material and gaining further entry into the HVAC blower and cabin spaces.

See on this thread what I did on my last PP which is now sold. Repellents are basically useless. Traps are effective in reducing the risk, but again it is not a permanent solution. They will come back and adapt to it. Yeah, the mouse problem was the last thing I wanted to keep dealing with on my PP. That was one of the reasons I got rid of the car. I hope my new car Escape PHEV is less attractive to them.
Mouse nesting locations in the Prius Prime