In Montclair, New Jersey, a woman brought her car in for service after it began sputtering and refusing to start. What the mechanic found wasn’t mechanical failure—it was a fully built squirrel nest, complete with insulation, leaves, and over 2 kilograms (about 5 pounds) of acorns.
The squirrels had chewed through parts of the engine wiring, causing a costly repair—and a big surprise.
A Common Cold-Weather Problem
Experts say squirrels frequently build nests in engine compartments during colder months. The engine bay is warm, protected, and close to food sources—a perfect storm for rodent real estate.
Unfortunately, their nesting habits often involve gnawing on wires, which can lead to serious vehicle damage and even fires. Mechanics in the region report dozens of similar cases each winter.
What You Can Do to Prevent It
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife recommends:
- Checking under the hood regularly if your car sits for long periods
- Parking indoors when possible
- Sprinkling peppermint oil or cayenne pepper near engine components (squirrels hate strong smells)
- Installing rodent-deterring lights or ultrasonic repellents in garages
If you do find a nest, do not start the car. Call a wildlife removal expert to safely evict the animals.
“I Thought I Had a Lemon—Turns Out I Had a Lodge”
The woman says she now opens her hood at least twice a week. “I don’t even blame the squirrel,” she joked. “If I were that small, I’d move in there too.”
While the nest was removed and repairs were completed, mechanics say it could’ve been worse. One chewed wire away, and the vehicle might’ve caught fire.
A Reminder That Nature Is Always Nearby
This incident serves as a quirky but serious reminder that wildlife can adapt in surprising ways to urban and suburban environments. As winters grow colder and green spaces shrink, animals like squirrels will keep looking for safe, warm places to shelter—sometimes right under our noses, or in this case, our hoods.
Staying alert and checking your vehicle regularly could save you hundreds in repairs—and help avoid evicting an uninvited (but resourceful) rodent roommate.
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