How to Get Rid of Bugs in Your Car for Good

Finding bugs in your car can be annoying and disturbing. Not only are they gross to look at, some biting or stinging insects can even pose a health hazard. The good news is there are steps you can take to get rid of bugs in your car and prevent future infestations.

What Attracts Bugs to Cars?

There are a few key reasons bugs tend to find their way into vehicles

• Food residues Crumbs spills, and trash left in the car attract all sorts of bugs looking for a meal. Ants and cockroaches in particular will invade a dirty car in search of food.

• Places to lay eggs: Bugs like carpet beetles seek out dark, undisturbed places like car interiors to lay their eggs. Once the larvae hatch, they start feeding on upholstery and carpets.

• Shelter from weather: On hot summer days or cold winter nights, the stable environment of a car offers relief from extreme temperatures.

• Accidental entry: Open windows and doors allow easy access for flying and crawling insects to get into cars temporarily.

The main attractions are food and shelter, so keeping your car clean is key to preventing infestations.

6 Common Bugs Found in Cars

While all sorts of insects can find their way into your car, these 6 bugs are encountered most often:

1. Ants

Small black ants invade vehicles searching for sugary food spills, especially on floor mats and upholstery. They follow scent trails left by other ants.

2. Cockroaches

Roaches feed on leftover food particles and can damage insulation or wiring by chewing. German cockroaches in particular like hiding out in cars.

3. Spiders

Huntsman spiders and others build webs to catch their next meal. They get in through open windows and cracks. Most are harmless to humans.

4. Bed bugs

Transported in on clothing or bags, these blood-sucking pests bite people and hide in seats to lay eggs. They are very difficult to eliminate.

5. Carpet beetles

Attracted to hair and fabric fibers, carpet beetle larvae munch on car interiors once they gain entry. They are tiny black bugs with hard shells.

6. Fleas

Fleas ride into vehicles on pets or people. Since they feed on blood, they will bite humans before dying without a host animal.

How to Get Rid of Bugs in Cars

The key steps to kicking bugs out of your car and preventing their return include:

Thoroughly clean the car

Give your car a deep clean inside and out to remove food particles and residue that attract insects:

• Vacuum upholstery, crevices, trunk, and floors to eliminate eggs, larvae, webs, and adult bugs.

• Wash floor mats and removable covers on hot cycle and dry on high heat.

• Use a stiff brush on carpets to dislodge debris.

• Steam clean cloth seats and wipe down leather.

• Remove trash, clutter, and food spills that provide bug food sources.

Apply pest control products

For heavy infestations or biting pests, use car-safe insecticide sprays or foggers according to label directions. Diatomaceous earth powder also kills bugs through dehydration.

Seal entry points

Fix torn window seals, screens, and air filters that allow access to your car’s interior. Check under seats too.

Park carefully

Avoid parking under trees or close to Dumpsters where bugs congregate. At home, use motion sensor outdoor lights instead ofConstantly on bulbs that attract insects.

Maintain diligence

Check under seats for signs of returning bugs. Repeat cleaning and apply pest products as needed until the car is bug-free. Taking action at first signs prevents larger infestations.

Seek professional help

For severe cases of bed bugs, fleas, roaches or ants, bring in professional exterminators. They have powerful tools to fully rid a car of problem infestations.

6 Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Car

The best defense is keeping bugs out of your car in the first place. Here are some key tips:

• Keep your car free of food trash and spills that attract insects. Vacuum frequently.

• Wash your car often to remove odors, sticky residues, and dirt that appeal to insects.

• Seal food in tight containers and bags before packing on trips. Never leave food overnight.

• Check under seats and in trunk for signs of bugs when cleaning. Treat immediately if found.

• Repair any torn window or door seals that allow access inside.

• Add natural essential oil bug repellents to your car’s interior. Peppermint, citronella, and tea tree oils deter insects.

When to Call a Professional Exterminator

Severe infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, or fleas often warrant calling in professional pest control experts. Technicians have industrial-strength products and methods to fully eradicate heavy bug populations. It is especially important to take bed bugs seriously, as they can be extremely difficult to wipe out on your own.

For common household bugs like spiders or occasional ants or flies, vigilant cleaning and pest control sprays are typically effective for car owners.

Catching infestations early makes DIY car bug removal much simpler before populations grow. Monitor your car closely, especially during summer insect seasons. Take action at the first signs of bugs to get rid of them for good.