Hi Everyone,
New to the Camry forum. My wife has a 2016 Camry Hybrid with 9,000 miles on it. Recently I've noticed rat droppings in the engine compartment, just at the front of the engine where there is a lovely indentation for the rats to sleep. I cleaned that up and thought I had dealt with the issue.

I took the Camry in for an oil change at the dealer today and they pointed out that I had a rat's nest in the cowling. They said that was quite common and all I had to do was to remove the cowling so that I could clean out the nest. Figured that wouldn't be too hard. I've attached a couple of photos showing the area in which the nest can be seen. I popped the plastic cover on the cowling and was able to vacuum out most of the nest. However, I would like to be sure and would like to remove the cowling so that I can clean it up properly. I'd also like to put in some wire mesh to prevent the rats from re-establishing their home.

Can anyone tell me how to remove the cowling? I assume there are some hidden screws/connectors and don't want to break anything, so any advice would be appreciated. Also if you've rat-proofed your air intake area to prevent the rats from getting into the cowling, let me know what you did. Thanks so much for your help.

Bob

 

The internet should have videos on how to do this. Look for years 2012 to 2017 as same layout.

The screening in the cowl appears too small for vermin to enter. Might check for other paths. Have had mice get into the car cabin then into the climate system via one of the vent tubes or recycled air intake. Needed to screen vent tubes and recycled air intake to prevent this.

Also check the air intake and air cleaner box for engine as mice can make a next here. If mice debris screen this area.

Used 3/8 mesh screen and a hot melt glue gun to glue it in place.

At times needed to hot melt glue and or tape the edges (aluminum tape) of the hood insulation to keep mice out.

 

Thanks for the advice. I like the idea of using the glue gun to keep the mesh in place.

I found a schematic for the cowling and should be able to get access once I remove it. Seems that this is a common problem on many cars especially since there is really nothing stopping vermin from entering this part of the vehicle.

Bob