Consider These 5 Things when Rodents are chewing on Your Car's Wiring in the Portland Area

Why Do Rodents Chew on Car Wires?

While we'd love to say that we have a definitive answer to this, the fact is that the science just isn't certain. First, it helps to understand that rodents' teeth never stop growing, so they need to wear them down by chewing on stuff. One theory on why they choose car wiring is that it resembles tree and brush branches, which is close enough for a rodent.

The second theory for why rodents chew on car wires is that the manufacturing process uses soy products in the wiring insulation, which offers rodents a tasty treat. However, there remains much debate on this theory. In 2018, a federal court judge in California dismissed a class action lawsuit against Toyota for lacking evidence the soy content in the wires attracted the rodents.

While the debate of why rodents find automotive wiring so appealing will certainly continue, the fact remains that this is a problem for many drivers throughout the Portland area. So, how can you protect your vehicle?

5. Trap & Relocate the Offending Rodents

There are a variety of traps and cages made specifically for capturing bothersome rodents. This is a popular alternative that allows you to relocate the rodent to a more suitable location away from your vehicle. There are also a variety of poisons and things like glue traps that might save you a drive to relocate a live rodent.

4. Deter the Rodents by Making Your Vehicle Less Appealing

Rodents chewing up car wiring is enough of a problem that a variety of deterring products have come to market. You can get electrical tape that's coated in capsaicin, the substance that gives peppers their spice, to give the rodent a surprise when they bite in. You can also get devices that emit a sound that's not audible to us humans but keeps rodents at a distance, or you can simply grab some mothballs and place them strategically around the wiring. Also, try to keep food sources like pet food sealed and away from the vehicle.

3. Drive the Vehicle Regularly

The problem of rodents chewing on your wiring is far less likely for your daily driver. Rodents seem to prefer a bit of stability for their hangouts, and a car that's driven frequently is less likely to pick up furry residents. If you have a project car that serves primarily as a weekend warrior when the weather is nice, it's best to park in the garage. However, simply being in a garage may not be enough to keep the rodents away.

2. Will Insurance Cover Damage from Rodents Chewing on Wires?

If you have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, there's a good chance that the insurance will cover damage from rodents. Of course, insurance plans and regulations vary widely, so you'll want to touch base with your insurance provider and specifically ask about this matter to be sure. It's also important to note that most home or renter's insurance doesn't cover damage to vehicles, even if they're parked in a garage.