What barrier or fence to stop rats mice getting into car?

[Cranswick]

Hi l have an outdoor shed l park my car in,l have had a problem of rats or mice getting in, l dont like using poison or traps becasue l have cats . l am thinking of building a fence or barrier around the car with a gate to stop rats and mice getting into my car, l was thinking of a fence barrier about waist high, what would be the best materials to use that so that rats would not be able to climb over it. l was thinking of using plywood sheets for the fence and sticking a roll of aluminium flashing along the lenght of the fence so they cannot climb it, see photo . is that a good idea or is there a better way

[Cranswick]

How high do you think l should build my fence

[Dave-1]

Evening @Cranswick 

MMmmm Id possibly make it a little higher so you can do away with the flashing (save some $$$) Something height wise that looks appealing is how I would approach the height, nothing to low to be tripable and taking into consideration of doors opening.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @Cranswick,

Somewhere around 600mm high would be ideal.

I like the idea of the aluminium flashing as it would prevent the critters from getting any grip on the timber, but it might end up being expensive since you'd need to have at least 2 layers.

Attaching the Brutus 50 x 75mm x 3.0m Jazz Building Moulding Flashing to the top of the barrier would be a good way to stop them climbing over the top and is my choice for a solution.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jacob

[Cranswick]

Hi l was thinking as an alternative to what we discussed to use masonite boards 120cm tall, on one side of masonite boards have a very smooth slippery surface that would seem to be to be impossible for rats to climb 2440 x 1220mm 4.8mm Masonite Standard - Bunnings Australia

My plan would be just to use the masonite boards without the aluminum flasing and 45 degree top . Would it be impossible for rats to climb a vertical 120cm tall masonite board on the smooth side 

[Dave-1]

Morning @Cranswick 

The main hesitation I have of using masonite boards would eb the weather and in particular water getting to them, they will perish pretty fast if that happens. As to the height, unless they are Olympic mice id say no but any corner/join will be rough enough potentially for the mice/rats to climb. Thats why I am thinking that angled edge of some kind.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @Cranswick,

My thoughts are similar to @Dave-1's.

Masonite is not weather resistant, so if it is exposed to rain, you will run into some issues. If the masonite is kept dry, it should be ok though.

I can't say with 100% certainty that they couldn't climb Masonite, but it is very slick and would certainly be difficult. It would likely be a case of trial and error if you were to go ahead with it.

Let me know what you think and if you have any other questions.

Jacob

[Tracey5]

This may be irrelevant now, however the best solution is duct tape…I would not waste my time & money on anything else.

Rats, bush rats and mice don’t go near it!!

I totally recommend you use duct tape…you will not be disappointed.

[EricL]

Hello @Tracey5 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Let me tag @Cranswick to make them aware of your suggestion. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience regarding this query. 

Were keen to hear more about all your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance or would like to share a project with the community.  

Eric

[Tracey5]

Hey there Eric, thanks for acknowledging and welcoming me… I am unsure if the subject of your post is for me?  
However if it is, I would suggest cleaning the car (please take no offence) and I would suggest leaving the bonnet open, therefore they won’t be attracted to the warmth…

If you do find where they are entering the car, I suggest cutting off a piece of duct tape big enough to cover where they enter the car… I know not everyone wants duct tape on their car, however it can be placed either inside (over the carpet) or outside (underneath the car). They will more than likely be entering from underneath the car…

I can guarantee any issues with these rodents will end just by using the duct tape… Let me know how things work out?

[EricL]

Hi @Tracey5 

Thank you for the extra details, I'm sure it will come in handy especially to those members who are trying to keep vermin out.

Eric