Noob Looking For Electrical/Rodent Guidence

Hello all, fresh member here. Average mechanical knowledge but always trying to learn. Have a 2012 tundra with tow package. About a month ago it was pulled into a dirt driveway and lost all charge. The headlights and lights on dash went dim and I thought it was just a loose battery cable. Battery cables looked and felt fine but batt was old so replaced. Truck will start but still won’t hold a charge and neighbor said it’s probably the alternator. Bought a new alternator recently, haven’t installed yet. Was cleaning truck out today and found a TON of mouse poop and chewed up tissue on backseat floor, both front seat floors, in door pockets/cubbies. My main question and concern here is how did the little b*st*rd get inside?? Are 2nd gens known for a particular rodent access point? Checked under dash with flashlight, no evidence of anything chewed. Checked under hood, found more poop but no chew marks or debris from stuff being chewed. I did crawl underneath too but without digging in it’s hard to tell. Advice/guidance is much appreciated. Trying not to break the already broken bank.

 

The mice get into the cabin from the holes in the firewall underneath the windshield cowl. What everyone does here is remove the cowl and attach wire mesh over all the holes, this is the only way to keep them out. Use the search function here, there are tons of threads with step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Good luck.

 

Also park somewhere with alot of light, that will keep them from going near your truck. Peppermint oil soaked in cotton balls in your engine bay is another way to deter.

 

Thanks for the help, MUCH appreciated. We’re in sw Colorado and staying on an old property being fixed up. Truck is parked out in the open near a pasture and the neighbor said this evening he’s had a mouse problem in his Tahoe for a while. Real helpful timing on that. I’ll pop the cowling up tomorrow and prob go with the hardware cloth and oil combo. I’ve heard of people shredding Irish spring soap all over the engine bay with a cheese grater too. Might as well wage full war and do all three.

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)! Sorry you had to find us based on the mice!

 

Lol irish spring may not work anymore. They changed the freakin formula not too long ago so smell ain't what it used to be. I was pissed.