[Boog]

That looks more like a rat's work. I'd say find the opening he's getting in and cover it with some stainless steel wire mesh.
I had a similar deal with a new riding mower. It ran good when I tested it but like crap when I began using it at home. Removed the air cleaner top to find much the same thing. The paper filter had been totally chewed up and had the airway blocked causing it to flood. Even some of the rubber gasket was chewed away.