During colder months, rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels search for warm and secure places to escape predators. One of the places they love hiding in is the engine compartment of vehicles. Have you ever attempted to start your car after leaving it unattended for a few days and found that something was wrong under the hood? Mechanics often discover that rodents have been residing in your car when they discover damaged, frayed, or severed wires. This article explains the reasons rodents nibble car wires, how to prevent it from happening, and what to do if your car has been damaged.

 

 

There are several myths surrounding why rodents chew car wires. One common misconception is that the coating of car wiring has an organic material that rodents like to eat. Another myth is that rodents are attracted to an electromagnetic signal given off by the car. However, the truth lies in rodent biology. Rodent teeth never stop growing and require chewing to prevent them from becoming too long or sharp.

 

 

Rodents are attracted to engine wires because the engine compartment of a car provides a safe, warm, and quiet place for them to hide and trim their teeth. Since the engine wires are one of the easier things for them to get their mouths on, they are the first things they chew. Also, they may resemble plant stems or plants that rodents would chew on if they lived outdoors.

 

 

If you want to know what types of rodents chew car wiring, think about which rodents are small enough to get into your engine compartment. Some of the most common problematic critters are mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, and, less commonly, larger animals like groundhogs, opossums, and woodchucks. These creatures are quick to take up residence in your engine once the temperature drops. So, be vigilant for rodent droppings, unpleasant smells, or food traces. Even though rodents spend most of their day hiding away, you might spot them on rare occasions. You might also hear scratching or scuttling sounds coming from under your hood.

 

 

Rodents can easily chew through wires and create damage that can be challenging for mechanics to repair. This is because they can get into hard-to-reach areas of your engine and chew on wires that are difficult to locate. If the mechanic cannot find the damaged wires that are causing problems, they cannot repair them. In addition, rodents may bring nest-making materials and food into your engine, which can cause further problems. The materials, such as paper, cardboard, and leaf litter, can pose a potential fire hazard as the temperature in the engine compartment rises. The cost of the damage can range from minor to significant, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and how long the rodents have been residing in it.

 

 

It’s not impossible for rodents to find their way under the hood of a car you drive every day, but they are more likely to choose cars that stay in one place for a while. This means that if you have any cars that don’t get regular use, they will probably be a rodent’s first choice. To prevent this, move these cars more frequently to keep the rodents from getting too comfortable. If possible, park inside of a garage instead of outside. If you do park in a garage, check for entry points that rodents may be getting in through, and seal them up if you find any. These potential entry points include thresholds, tops of doors, damaged doors, pipe entry points for utility lines, and around dryer vent hoses. It may also be helpful to have rodent traps set up by a pest control professional around the area where you park your car. Also, be sure to remove any tempting food, such as pet food, from inside or around your car.

 

 

To determine whether your car insurance or warranty covers damage caused by rodents, it’s advisable to review your policy. While comprehensive insurance policies may sometimes cover the cost of chewed or damaged wires, not all policies do. Despite calls for auto manufacturers to include rodent damage in their warranties, most do not currently offer such coverage. To avoid costly damage, it’s important to take preventive measures, be aware of the signs of rodent activity, and recognize what rodent damage to car wiring looks like. Although rodent infestations in cars are not treated, if you suspect a rodent issue in your home, we can assist you. Contact us today for expert rodent removal services.

 

What can you do if your car was damaged by rodents eating car wires?

If you suspect that rodents have chewed through your car’s wiring, it’s important to take action quickly. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more damage the rodents can do. Here are a few steps you can take:

  1. Inspect your car thoroughly: Check under the hood and look for signs of rodent droppings or nesting materials. If you see any, it’s likely that the rodents have been living in your car.
  2. Take your car to a mechanic: If you suspect that rodents have chewed through your car’s wiring, it’s important to take it to a mechanic right away. A mechanic will be able to identify the damage and repair it before it gets worse.
  3. Clean your car thoroughly: If you find signs of rodents in your car, it’s important to clean it thoroughly to remove any nesting materials or food sources. This will help prevent the rodents from returning.
  4. Consider getting pest control: If you have a rodent problem in your home or garage, it’s important to address it to prevent them from damaging your car again in the future.

 

 

Final thoughts

Rodent damage to car wiring can be a frustrating and expensive problem to deal with. However, there are steps you can take to prevent rodents from taking up residence in your car’s engine and causing damage. By moving your car regularly, parking in a garage, and sealing potential entry points, you can help keep rodents out of your car. If you do suspect that rodents have chewed through your car’s wiring, it’s important to take action quickly to minimize the damage. To place book rodent control, call us on +254737898884, +254759292158, +254775145267, +254103055943, +254794265503, +254756432285, +254757668223, +254789231328, +254742448334, or drop an email to .