Mouse House in Trunk??

[MCRider64]

I know, this probably sounds as if I have gone around the bend. That being said, has anyone ever had a mouse living in their trunk? At first, I thought it was just some old, dead bugs, so I cleaned everything up. A short bit later, I found what I call caraway seeds and some yellow stains on napkins that I keep in the trunk. Today, I went for a 2- hour ride, mostly winding country roads. When I got home, I discovered lots (mouse size) of yellow liquid in the trunk. Apparently, the mouse must have figured he was experiencing an earthquake. Sooo, time to call on Victor with a little (mouse size) peanut butter on it. The first afternoon (after the ride), Victor got him! I believe I know where in the trunk the mouse resided, behind an access cover between the tail lights. The 50k question is, how did he even get in there? The MC is garage kept, and the trunk lid is always shut when not in use. Any ideas on this? If I figure it out, I will be sure to add an addendum to this mystery. For any doubters, please see attached photo- NOT for the squeamish!

[Ghostman]

This is from Google
Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, or about ¼ inch in diameter. A common comparison is that if a pencil can fit into a hole, a mouse can too.
Mice can fit through small gaps because of their long, flexible, and cylindrical bodies. They can also use their sharp teeth to widen holes that aren't big enough.
Mice are a common problem in homes, especially in urban and suburban areas. They can spread diseases like salmonella, trigger allergic reactions and asthma, and chew through home construction materials.

[Rambozo]

Time to fire your garage cat.

[tamathumper]

Check the hatch in the bottom of the trunk to make sure he wasn't nesting on your CD changer or CB module.

[MCRider64]

Check the hatch in the bottom of the trunk to make sure he wasn't nesting on your CD changer or CB module.

Tamathumper, if this were a contest, you would have won. The hole where the CB cables run through was partially open; plenty of room for him to get in there. I filled the gap with RTV. How he found his way in there will remain a mystery. He was just beginning to gather materials to build a nest. There was virtually no sign in the CB compartment; all sign was in the main part of the trunk. Thank you for your response.

[MCRider64]

Time to fire your garage cat.

Rambozo, you may be right about the cat. Within the past week, she did bring home a mouse for us to see, but she did not eat it within 24 hours of capture. Looks like she is hunting for sport now. She is getting older, about 10 yrs. Although she is still an outdoor cat, she is enjoying the more comfortable life inside the house. She only goes into the garage to eat.

[WingAdmin]

I always have mousetraps with peanut butter in my garage (and my airplane hangar). I haven't got one in my garage for a few years, I get them all the time in the hangar. The idea being to get them before they take up residence in expensive vehicles!

[Big Bob]

I too am a user of snap traps with peanut butter. I have them in the garage by our motorcycles, by the bird seed storage containers, and at the cabin. I usually bag 4-6 every winter in the garage, and usually at least 6 at the cabin yearly. This year I have been giving them swimming lessons and had great success, 6 in 2 weeks in the basement of the cabin. 4" of water in a 5 gallon bucket with a piece of wood as they're diving board. When the pool freezes up, they will have a nice skating rink to live out their final days!
Bob

[BurtonFreeman]

They don't like peppermint. Buy a bottle of peppermint oil, mix with water in a spray bottle.
A few spritz and done.

[MCRider64]

BurtonFreeman, Thank you for your suggestion. I may give it a try.