Instances of rats, mice, and other rodents eating car wiring is on the rise. Learn how to deal with these pests without traps.
Wild rats, mice, and other rodents have been a nuisance to humans for a very long time. However, in recent years, the number of instances in which rodents are eating car wiring has increased drastically.
In June of 2017, ABC6 even did a news piece on a large number of lawsuits concerning this very topic. Not only was the problem on the rise, it was typically not covered by insurance.
As car companies search for new ways to go green, many have turned to using soy to wrap the wiring in cars, as an alternative to plastic.
Why does this matter?
Because rodents will eat just about anything that's edible. Making a plant-based wiring system practically invites rats and mice to make a home out of your vehicle, especially if it's left unused in your driveway.
The rats, mice, and squirrels are now going beyond making nests in cars - they're literally eating them from the inside out, costing people thousands of dollars.
So, how do you stop this from happening?
Some people suggest leaving the hood up, as rodents like to hide in dark, closed spaces. However, this isn't always effective, especially if they have already discovered your delicious car wires.
Let's take a look at some other ways you can keep rodents from eating your car wiring.
How To Stop Rats, Mice, And Other Rodents Eating Car Wiring
Keep Things Clean
Keep the area around your car clean and free of brush, trash, and debris. This makes rodents feel less secure, and it draws less attention to your vehicle.
You should also make sure that you don't leave any animal food laying around. Dog food, in particular, seems to be a rat's go-to snack. Cat food, birdseed, chicken and livestock feed should all be securely put away as well.
If you have a garage, block off any small entrances that rats and mice might be able to slip through.
Block Off Entrances
Block off the small entrances to your vehicle's engine compartment. This isn't always easy. Some people are able to block off their vehicle's engine openings with a wire screen. Of course, this will vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Other Alternatives
Some people pour a little bit of Pine-Sol around their car in the evenings, and stuff Dryer Sheets in various places around their vehicle.
One of the main things you can do to prevent or stop rodents from eating car wiring, is to use your car as frequently as you can. Letting your vehicle sit unused makes it very inviting for critters to set up a home in.
Have rodents been eating your car wiring? How did you get them to stop? Let us know in the comments.
