Why do rats chew wires? Understanding the behaviour and risks

There’s nothing worse than getting in your car and the engine won’t turn over. The battery seems OK? There’s nothing you can see in the engine bay that looks out of place, but then you see it. Nibble and chew marks on your wires. Bloody rats!

In general, rats have a natural tendency to chew on various materials (which we will explore), including the electrical wires in ceilings and cars. If rats have chewed wires in your home, this can be a potentially dangerous – even deadly, situation, as electrical issues have been known to start house fires.

Let’s explore the reasons why rats chew wires, the potential risks associated and what you can do to help prevent it.

Rats chew because it’s an instinctual behaviour

Rats generally have a strong instinct to chew. This is because their incisors will continuously grow throughout their lives, and chewing is one way to help them to control the length and sharpness of their teeth. If they don’t chew on things regularly, their teeth can overgrow and cause a range of different problems, from overgrown incisors and difficulty to pain, discomfort and even misalignment of the jaw.

Gnawing on objects, including the wires in your home and car, can also provide rats with mental and physical stimulation.

Rats chew to maintain their teeth

As previously mentioned, rats' teeth never stop growing. By chewing and gnawing on wires, they wear down their constantly growing chompers. Because electrical wires have a hard surface, this is the perfect resistance for them to keep their teeth in good condition.

Rats chew wires to get materials to build their nests

Rats are pretty resourceful when it comes to gathering materials to build their nests. They will often seek out soft and cosy materials to build their nests and have their babies. The wires in your ceiling and car are great nesting material as it’s often made of materials like PVC or rubber, which provide a soft, flexible texture that’s easily malleable and pliable, allowing them to shape and arrange it to their liking.

Wire coatings can also provide insulation for their nests, regulating temperature and providing a comfortable and thermally stable space for their babies.

What are the risks of rat-induced wire damage?

Now that we know why rats are chewing and gnawing on the wires in your home and in your car, let's look at some of the potential hazards of having chewed, exposed wires in and around your home or vehicle.

Chewed wires can cause electrical malfunctions and fire hazards

Chewed wires can expose live electrical currents, which can lead to short circuits, electrical outages, or even in some cases, house fires (like this family in Gwabegar, NSW, unfortunately, found out can happen).

The damage to the insulation that wraps around electrical wires increases the possibility of electrical arcing and sparks, which means nearby flammable materials will also catch alight. It goes without saying if this happens, it poses a significant safety hazard for you and your property.

Chewed wires equal expensive repairs

Repairing any wire damage that’s been caused by rats can be incredibly costly and eat into your household budget. Not only will you need to hire a professional sparky to fix the electrical wiring, but you might also have to fix any damaged appliances or electronics affected by the inevitable electrical malfunctions chewed wires cause.

What can be done to stop rats from chewing wires in your home or car?

It’s no secret that having rats chewing the wires in your ceiling or car is incredibly frustrating – particularly if they cause damage that runs up the expense bill considerably. If you suspect you may have rats in your ceiling or chewing the wires in your car, below are some things you can do to help prevent this.

Also, remember one of the best ways to stop rats and mice from causing additional problems in your home is to call in a professional rodent control company like Abolish.

Prevention and control measures for rats and mice

First of all, it’s a good idea to eliminate any entry points that rats or mice might use to get into your home: Seal up any gaps, cracks, or holes that lead into your home to stop rats from entering.

It’s always a good idea to pay close attention to areas where utility lines enter your house. Also, be sure to check any vents or openings around doors and windows where rats could be getting in.

It’s also wise to reduce any attractants that might lure rats or mice into your home. Keep your home and property clean and free of debris (rats love nesting in rubbish piles next to sheds or in wood piles etc). Make sure your food is properly stored in airtight containers, both indoors and outdoors. Make sure you clean your BBQ after using it (rats love a good BBQ!) and regularly empty bins.

Here’s a comprehensive list of things that will definitely attract rats into your home:-

• uncovered rubbish bins
• compost piles
• pet food left out overnight (both dry and wet)
• bird feeders
• fallen fruit from trees
• piles of debris
• stacked firewood
• gaps around pipes, vents, windows
• leaking pipes
• dripping faucets
• areas with standing water
• overgrown shrubs or vines (used as an access point)
• landmines (make sure you pick up those dog poops)

If you think you might have a rat problem or notice signs of their presence (like droppings or chewed materials), it's usually a good idea to contact professional pest control services like Abolish. We have the expertise to help identify any entry points into your home and implement an effective trapping or baiting solution to help eliminate the infestation.

You can protect your home, reduce the risk of electrical problems and ensure the safety of your family by making sure rats can’t get into your home and making sure you remove any attractants from your home and property.

Remember, early detection and professional pest control intervention are great ways to manage rat infestations effectively and help to minimise any wire damage they may cause.