FAQ
TL;DR: In a Toyota Avensis T25, rodenticide can take about 5 days to work; “dies after 5 days.” Check trunk vents, use traps, and expect odor if poison is used. [Elektroda, 139534, post #16720650]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Avensis T25 owners stop mice fast, prevent re-entry, and avoid lingering smells.
Quick Facts
- Kill-time: rodenticide acts in approx. 5 days and can cause noticeable odor as the animal decomposes. [Elektroda, 139534, post #16720650]
- Common entry: rear trunk ventilation inlets on the Avensis T25 body shell. Inspect and screen them. [Elektroda, romuald-f, post #16720546]
- Ultrasonic repellers: reported ineffective by users; treat as seasonal gadgets at best. [Elektroda, DiZMar, post #16720600]
- Scent deterrents: lavender and mint are cited as helpful natural repellents. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16720926]
- Budget spray: “ANTY KUNA” deterrent available around PLN 14 in auto sections. [Elektroda, kierbedz4, post #16741709]
How do mice get into a Toyota Avensis T25?
Owners report a key entry path through the rear trunk ventilation inlets. Remove trim, inspect the flap vents, and fit mesh. Check for gnaw marks and droppings to confirm activity. Sealing this area reduces re-entry dramatically because it connects to the cabin paths. Focus first on the vents behind the bumper and side panels. Document findings with photos before reassembly for future reference. [Elektroda, romuald-f, post #16720546]
Do ultrasonic rodent repellers actually work in this car?
Forum experience calls them ineffective. One expert noted these devices are “a pic for water and photomontage,” and classed them as one-season gadgets. If you already have one, do not rely on it as a single solution. Pair physical exclusion with traps and cleaning. Prioritize blocking vents and removing attractants. This approach addresses cause, not symptom. [Elektroda, DiZMar, post #16720600]
Should I move the repeller’s acoustic transmitters into the cabin?
Some advise relocating the emitters inside the cabin to target where mice settle. If you try this, place units low and near suspected paths, and avoid soft materials that dampen output. Combine with sealing trunk vents for best effect. Re-test weekly and adjust placement. This is an add-on tactic, not a cure. [Elektroda, kot mirmur, post #16720585]
Will poison make the car smell, and how long until it works?
Yes. A mouse that consumes rodenticide can die after about five days, and the carcass can smell strongly. The odor persists until removal. Source location can be difficult in vehicles due to hidden cavities. If you choose poison, plan for inspection and cleanup. Use targeted trapping to avoid inaccessible deaths. [Elektroda, 139534, post #16720650]
Are there scent-based deterrents that actually help?
Users report that lavender and mint can reduce mouse presence. Place sachets near entry routes and the spare-wheel well. Refresh them regularly as volatile oils dissipate. Use them alongside traps and vent screening. Scent alone rarely solves active infestations but can support prevention after cleanup. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16720926]
What off-the-shelf spray can I try, and what does it cost?
Look for an anti-marten spray labeled “ANTY KUNA” in auto departments. It’s reported at around PLN 14. Apply to wiring looms, vents, and wheel wells per the label. Reapply after heavy rain or washing. Treat it as a deterrent layer, not a standalone fix. [Elektroda, kierbedz4, post #16741709]
Are traps still worth it if mice keep returning?
Yes. The original poster notes traps restore short-term peace, which confirms activity and reduces numbers. Use multiple snap traps along travel edges. Bait lightly to prevent theft without trigger. Keep trapping until catches stop for a week. Then focus on sealing the entry points to prevent recurrence. [Elektroda, Matyjass16, post #16720304]
Why does the smell persist even after I use air fresheners?
Air fresheners only mask odors. If poison was used, the smell indicates a hidden carcass or contaminated nesting. The poster was buying AC fresheners repeatedly without solving the source. Locate and remove the cause, then clean surfaces. Replace any contaminated soft trim if needed. [Elektroda, Matyjass16, post #16720417]
Where should I inspect first for nests or carcasses?
Start at the trunk side cavities and ventilation inlets, then inspect under trunk trim and spare-wheel well. Check engine-bay corners too. One cautionary case involved severe odor after an animal died near the engine. Hidden spaces trap smells, so remove panels methodically and document. [Elektroda, kierbedz4, post #16721256]
Can keeping a cat in the garage help deter mice?
A pragmatic suggestion is to keep a cat in the garage space. Predatory presence can deter rodents from approaching the vehicle. Ensure humane care and safety. Combine with sealing vehicle entry points for lasting results. Do not rely on pets to fix structural access issues. [Elektroda, Ireneo, post #16741727]
Do pheromones attract mice back, and who can advise professionally?
One user notes mice follow pheromone scent trails. Clean thoroughly to remove residues. For tailored strategies, consult a veterinarian or rodent-control specialist familiar with vehicles. They can advise on safe baits and exclusion methods specific to car interiors. [Elektroda, kot mirmur, post #16720623]
Quick 3-step: how do I block the Avensis T25 entry point?
- Expose the rear trunk ventilation inlets behind interior trim.
- Inspect flaps; clean, then add fine mesh that resists chewing.
- Refit trim and re-check after a week with traps as monitors. [Elektroda, romuald-f, post #16720546]
Are ultrasonic repellers under the hood better than in the cabin?
The poster tried both cabin and trunk placement, then under the hood, without results. This suggests placement alone won’t solve ingress. Use repellers only as a supplement while you seal entry points and trap actively. Prioritize exclusion. [Elektroda, Matyjass16, post #16720594]
Could bringing in other animals like hedgehogs or weasels help?
A user suggested predators such as a hedgehog or weasel, but warned of more odor issues. Wildlife introduction is impractical and risky in a garage. Focus on exclusion, cleaning, traps, and optional deterrent sprays instead. [Elektroda, kot mirmur, post #16720623]
