Squirrels Cause Engine Havoc by Hiding Acorns in Cars
Motorists in Petersfield, Hampshire, have encountered a bizarre and costly issue as squirrels are increasingly stuffing their cars with nuts, leading to a surge in engine problems described as 'very abnormal'. A local garage reported that vehicles have been losing power, with mechanics discovering up to 200 acorns crammed into a single air intake pipe during one incident.
Garage Reports Repeated Incidents of Squirrel Activity
Employees at the workshop stated that this problem is 'not uncommon', having witnessed it 'many times' over the years. Squirrels are believed to be stashing the acorns in car pipes as an alternative to their usual hiding spots, such as the ground or tree hollows. The garage has issued warnings to residents in Petersfield to remain vigilant, marking the second time in a week they have had to alert the public about squirrels seeking to store acorns in vehicles.
Affected drivers have expressed relief at avoiding expensive repairs, finding the situations amusing despite the potential for serious damage. Leigh Belton, a representative from the garage, highlighted the unusual increase in such cases, noting, 'Two in the same week, I guess squirrels have been busy'. He emphasized that rodents, including mice and rats, can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage by chewing on wiring and other components.
Detailed Account of the Engine Issues
Mr Belton, 58, described a specific incident involving a Golf that was losing power and had an engine light on. Initially suspected to be a turbo charger issue, routine checks revealed the air intake pipe was filled with acorns. 'There must have been 100, 200 of them,' he said, adding, 'It's very amusing, the squirrels must have stashed them there.' He confirmed that local squirrels were responsible for what he termed 'vehicular vandalism'.
The garage typically sees about three similar cases per year, but the recent spike of two incidents in one week is considered quite abnormal. Mr Belton remarked, 'We probably have three cases like it in a year but two in a week was quite abnormal.' Both drivers involved were 'very relieved and quite amused' by the outcome.
Preventative Measures and Broader Implications
To combat this issue, Mr Belton suggested that motorists who find evidence of rodents in their engine bays might consider purchasing anti-rodent tape infused with chilli pepper extract to protect wiring. This advice comes as a reminder of the broader threat posed by rodents to vehicle integrity, beyond just squirrels and acorns.
The situation underscores a quirky yet serious aspect of urban wildlife interactions, with potential financial repercussions for unsuspecting car owners. As squirrels adapt their nut-stashing habits to human environments, vigilance and preventative steps become increasingly important for maintaining vehicle health in areas like Petersfield.
