Rodents Damaging Electrical Cables

Is pest control totally out of the question, then?

Try borrowing tcmtech's kitties.

Put a bounty on them.....it gives the kids something to do....

1. Metallic conduit, where possible

2. Screen mesh, where possible

3. Ship rat guards (see below) where elevator cables must flex

This is a pretty common problem. Where controlling the little critters by regular means is impossible, armoured cables (TECK 90 & ACIC) are frequently used to provide such protection.

I have seen instances where the use of such armoured cables has completely made this a non-issue.

There is a new product spray from 3M. The auto mobile service technicians spray the same on the cables / wires at the engine space & claim that, rats / rodents do not bite the same. It is a thin transparent spray liquid. I think you can try it on the lift cables too.

I am not able to get this 3M Spray here in Mumbai. Would you kindly give me more details so that I can try it out. Thanks.

Many years ago I sold a lot of URD direct burial cable that was supposedly rat proof. I don't know if it had a mesh wrap, it was 35 years ago. I can't remember what I did 3 mins ago. I can't imagine it being flexible like what is required for elevators. I would think that by now there would be chemicals that could be embedded in the insulation to make it not tasty for the rodents.

I have some habanero extract that would deter even me. I use just a drop here and there. Used a tbsp and damn near died. Scoville units off the charts.

Thanks all friends for your suggestions. It is flexible cable running from the bottom of cabin to control panel so armor cables are not possible. I am searching for 3 M spray if it can solve the problem. I think cable mfrs. should think about this problem.

Where is Del and his Cats?.

They eat only tinned tuna--not rats.

Hi Suresh,
This is a major problem here in South Africa as well. Industry losses because of damage to cables by rats and mice are becoming a major issue. Personally I have had damage caused to vehicle wiring and domestic appliances.
My understanding of the attraction of cables for rodents is that the PVC of the cable is perfect for grinding their teeth (which are continuously growing) and has nothing to do with the PVC as a food source.
The problem with the rodents eating the vehicle wiring was solved by a) leaving snake skins in the engine compartment b) by spraying snake urine (derived from the water bowls in my son's snake cages) around the engine compartment. This also worked for the machines in the laundry.
I have no idea of any reliable method of immediately stopping this problem however am aware of the causes and long term solution. The problem has it's origin in a 'population explosion' of the rodents caused by an unbalance of nature (natural predator population being reduced by agricultural plus pest control poisoning), abundance of food sources caused by urban build up of unprocessed garbage, 'safe' nesting and breeding areas within urban areas etc.
I feel that the solution to the problem will only be possible by returning the balance of nature as far as possible. I know that in SA, where the farmers were losing a large part of their crop to rodents, that the cutting down of poisoning and the active establishment of breeding areas for raptors (like owls etc) has already seen good results.
Personally I am against the use of poisons as it interferes with the natural food chain and actually makes the problem worse. I am aware that there are several companies that are marketing electronic pest control devices where noises inaudible to humans is generated and apparently these are quite successful. I am not sure if there are any downsides or 'knock on' effects from using these.
I wish you luck in finding a solution to your 'mousey' problem!
Best regards, Keith

Hi Keith,

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. Yes these cables were PVC insulated and sheathed. These cables were recently replaced during revamping of the old elevator. May be the strong smell of new PVC attracted the rodents. I think we have to live with these mammals as they will remain in the big cities around the world, we can not eliminate them. We have to learn how to protect our equipments from their attacks. I will try to pose this problem to local cable mfrs who specialise in auto cables and see what they have to say.

Fox urine is easy to come by and should keep rodents away.

Several things I have found to be effective are (1) spreading moth balls about the problem area. This may be a problem if odor flows to human habitat. (2) They tell me that dryer cloth will keep them away also. The smell is not as irritating as moth balls. (3) I have had good and bad reports on the use of ultra sound devices to keep them at bay. (4) A trap that entices them in with food then dumps them in a pail of oil to drown them is very effective as long as the next rodent does not see what happened to his buddy. They are smart. (5) If they have not developed a resistance to Warfin then it is a good killer but if they die in the area the odor is usually an issue. (6) I was not going to mention this as it is pure folk lore but I was told that in days past ( 100 yrs) they would catch a rat and torture it on a hot stove until it was screaming then let it go. Theory in those days was it went back to the lair and told the others of a lack of hospitality and they moved out. NOT MY IDEA just a history lesson.

Try some pure peppermint oil. Soak some cotton balls or rugs and put near the wires, tie soaked rugs around the bottom areas where they would enter. Use a spray around the electrical cabinets and on exposed wires.

They are selling garbage bags with the peppermint somehow infused and saying that they're particularly good in the cities where there is a large rat population. I would like to see them mandatory for Washington, D.C. Maybe we could rid the Capital of our politicians.

I think the best way to stop the havoc created by these rodents is to use proper and effective Pest Control measures to get rid of them and thus stop the damage.

Thanks for your suggestion. We have already have entered in contract with Pest Control agency.