What's this stuff in my air filter?

[PaFromFL]

I just replaced my air filter for the first time and it was covered with stuff I've never seen in an air filter. Either it was accidentally "installed" by the factory, or it somehow managed to squeeze through the magnetized intake flap. While I was there, I covered the magnet with three layers of foam mirror tape to see if it would make the throttle more responsive.

 

[BillZ]

Looks like you had a mouse starting to build a little nest in there.

 

[trespinosranch]

My first thought was a mouse nest, but it looks a little too disorganized. But I found this on-line: What Does a Mouse Nest Look Like?
A mouse nest is assembled for offspring and made from any fibrous material found by the rodent. Pieces of string, shredded paper, torn cloth, food wrappers, and stuffing from pillows or mattresses can all be used. After gathering these items, the mouse will form them into a small ball and live inside of it. You will know that it is a nest especially if you find mouse droppings inside or around it.

It does look like insulation and threads from something. I don't think the environment would have allowed this stuff to enter the engine compartment.

 

[celltech]

I thought that a Chevy big block was a rat motor...

 

[PaFromFL]

I doubt a rodent would have been able to push open the magnetized trap door, or get back out after it closed. Are there other openings in the air box?

 

[xsolara]

Yep..... it's a mouse.
You will be surprised what they can get into....... I think you should inspect the underside of the car and look for chew marks......... That dark gray color looks like the material used on the belly pan
That mouse will return :{

 

[circuitest1]

Had exactly same issue on my Nissan Altima. Changed the filter several times , but the mouse kept on coming back (car is only used a few times a week for short drives). After a while the car started to have a mouse dropping scent every time i turned on heater or air conditioner. i sprayed a good dose of Peppermint oil on a clean filter and on the filter housing, once a month for about four months, and finally got rid of the critter. An additional bonus was that the peppermint oil smell also got rid of the mouse scent when i turned on the climate control.

 

[CanukV6]

Use original Bounce Dryer Sheets in and around your car and engine compartment if you park it for any length of time. They repel rodents very well - I guess they don't like the Bounce smell. Just don't forget to remove them from the engine compartment before you start the car. I have also had good success with the electric plug-in ultrasonic rodent repellent units in my garage.

 

[Seejay]

I have a cat and he loves hanging out in the garage.

 

[kf4zra]

my cats and silenced 22 will keep any rodents away

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