A mechanic posted a video stating that he found roaches in the heater of a customer’s vehicle, prompting questions of how this could possibly happen. 

On Dec. 19, a mechanic (@deth93_) posted a video detailing a “disgusting” repair he had just encountered. 

What Did The Mechanic Find In The Heater?

“A customer states the blower motor blows, but there’s no heat,” he begins. 

He explains that he told the customer that they have to remove interior parts in order to fix the issue. 

“We need to go in and figure out what’s going on inside the box because nothing’s coming out. We’re gonna take it apart,” he shares. 

Once he began the process, he found something disturbing. 

“We get halfway through…there’s roaches,” he reveals.

He explains that they can’t do anything more to fix the issue until an exterminator addresses the roaches. 

“We have to pay somebody $500 to come out and bomb this before we can even move forward,” he concludes. 

What Causes Roaches To Infest A Car’s Heating System?

While finding roaches lodged deep inside a car’s blower motor might seem absurd, this is not an unheard of issue. However, this can happen and is usually the result of several very specific factors. 

Vehicles draw in outside air through intake vents near the windshield cowl area. This air then flows past the cabin air filter and into the blower and heater core. If windows, doors, or vents are left even slightly open, or if the exterior seals are compromised, insects have a direct path into that system. 

Cockroaches are particularly adept at squeezing through tiny gaps and are attracted to warm, enclosed spaces, and they are especially likely to be drawn in if any trace of food or debris is left inside the vehicle. Once inside, the complex ductwork of the HVAC system offers plenty of dark, humid nooks where roaches might shelter or lay eggs, and those same passages lead them right into the blower assembly, where the technician uncovered them in this case.

Is It Common For Roaches To Be Found In A Car Heater? Can You Prevent It?

While this is not an especially common issue, it is a very real possibility when the previously described circumstances are met. Additionally, cockroach infestations specifically tend to be more common in warmer climates or vehicles that sit unused for long periods.

The good news is that simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of this happening. For one, it is important to keep the interior free of food and trash, regularly vacuum and clean under seats and in crevices, and always close windows and sunroofs when parked. 

Additionally, parking in cleaner, sealed garages rather than near dumpsters or heavy foliage can also help. Since roaches are drawn to moisture and organic debris. Replacing the cabin air filter at regular intervals and inspecting intake areas for gaps or deterioration also limits how easily pests can enter the HVAC. 

MotorBiscuit reached out to @deth93_ via TikTok direct message.

@deth93_

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