Rats are adaptable rodents with a strong, innate drive to gnaw. This behavior is crucial for them and impacts various materials in their surroundings.
Why Rats Gnaw on Plastic
Rats gnaw on plastic primarily because their incisor teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Unlike human teeth, this constant growth, approximately 0.4 mm per day for lower incisors, necessitates gnawing on various objects to wear them down and prevent overgrowth. Overgrown incisors can lead to difficulty eating and other health issues.
Beyond dental maintenance, rats gnaw on plastic to create openings and pathways, or to gather materials for nesting. They can chew through softer plastics with relative ease, though they may also tackle harder plastics if motivated. While rats may ingest small plastic fragments, they do not digest them for sustenance, and plastic can be harmful if consumed. A throat flap helps prevent them from swallowing non-food items they chew.
Common Types of Damaged Plastic
Rats frequently target plastic items around homes and vehicles, leaving telltale gnaw marks. Electrical wiring insulation is a common target, often found chewed and frayed in walls, attics, or vehicle engine bays. This damage can lead to electrical hazards, including short circuits and fire risks.
Plastic water pipes, such as PVC, are also susceptible to gnawing, which can result in leaks and water damage. Plastic food storage containers are frequently breached by rats seeking food, identifiable by chew marks and torn edges. Appliance components like washing machine hoses, trash bins, and garden hoses also show significant gnaw marks. In vehicles, rats also commonly damage rubber hoses.
Preventing Rat Damage to Plastic
Protecting plastic items from rat damage involves a multi-faceted approach, focusing on exclusion and deterrents. Securing food sources is crucial; this means storing pantry items and pet food in robust containers made of metal, glass, or thick plastic with tight-fitting lids. Proper waste management, including the use of covered and secure trash cans, also limits attractions for rats.
Sealing entry points into buildings is a primary preventive measure, as rats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, sometimes as tiny as 1/4 inch. Materials such as steel wool, copper mesh, concrete mortar, or metal sheeting should be used to seal cracks and holes, as these are difficult for rats to gnaw through. For vulnerable wiring, protective coverings like plastic or steel conduits can serve as physical barriers. In cases of persistent or severe infestations, consulting professional pest control services can provide effective solutions.