Rats chewing wires

[hymerman]

Does peppermint oil actually work as a deterent ?
I've used it for years and never had an issue , but probably just lucky .

 

[Gromett]

Rat problems?

 

[Bessy765]

Don't think they thought this one through.

RAC declares 2023 the ‘unofficial year of the rat’ after record number of rodents wreak havoc on cars

Everyone knows a car breakdown can mean a nasty repair bill, but new data from the RAC reveals that it’s not always a head gasket or a...

media.rac.co.uk

The wiring in our French cottage has to go through ducting of a circumference size that mice can’t chew it

 

[Guigsy]

Using soy as the plastic base feedstock doesn't necessarily make it edible or biodegradable. Depending on what plastic they turn it into, it might be pretty much chemically identical to one derived from petrochemicals. And therefore smell and taste the same. I didn't think they were using biodegradable plastics since Mercedes tried it about 25 years ago and found it started degrading far faster than they expected. Regardless, the reason for using bio such as soy as a base (rice, wood and sugar also work) as it's often less energy intensive than using crude oil, and it's a renewable source.

I watch lots of car 'revival' YouTube channels. Pretty much every old car has chewed wiring. It's not a new thing.

 

[Barriesimpson]

Rats chew on wires to keep their teeth sharp, they do not actually consume the plastic.

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[Guigsy]

Rats chew on wires to keep their teeth sharp, they do not actually consume the plastic.

I used to keep pet rats. They chew on everything. Being rodents, their teeth continuously grow. They need to chew on things to keep them filed down to the correct length. It's got to be hard! Walnuts kept them busy for an hour or so.

 

[Puddleduck]

They've had a go at the insulation under the bonnet of the car.

Also chewed through diesel pipe of our nasty neighbour.

 

[seasideBill]

Does peppermint oil actually work as a deterent ?
I've used it for years and never had an issue , but probably just lucky .

I regularly use it following mice attack about a year ago. No repeat but as you say. maybe just luck?

 

[B+W vanman]

I regularly use it following mice attack about a year ago. No repeat but as you say. maybe just luck?

Where do you rub it on?
All over, or just the pulse points?

 

[hymerman]

I liberally sprinkle it onto pieces of tissue when used inside the van placing them at intervals.
Inside the engine area I just sprinkle around , not using tissue.
I did wonder if spraying WD40 may be a better solution around the engine bay as not concerned with the smell.

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[seasideBill]

I liberally sprinkle it onto pieces of tissue when used inside the van placing them at intervals.
Inside the engine area I just sprinkle around , not using tissue.
I did wonder if spraying WD40 may be a better solution around the engine bay as not concerned with the smell.

I’m also experimenting with one of these:

Marder-Frei Mobil | Batteriebetriebener Marderschutz

Repel martents with high frequency tones from house, car, garage, barn and attic! Battery operated for easy installation!

www.gardigo.com

 

[Nirvanauk]

Where do you rub it on?
All over, or just the pulse points?

I wash just about everything down with peppermint oil, year before I was invaded with mice and struggled to get shut even with wiping everything down on a weekly basis and spraying liberally in the engine bay and outlets, etc. This year I gave moved storage so just hoping.