Rats Again

robdog · Post by **robdog** » 01 Sep 2009, 12:41

Hi guys,

I'm the new girl with a 2005 V70 2.5T Wagon. Rats go to it again last night, chewing thru the wiring harness that goes to the left front headlight and turn signal. I'm heading out to see if I can find replacement harnesses. Any advice for the newbie?

tks,

Robdog in San Diego

Post by **JDS60R** » 01 Sep 2009, 12:45

I know rats and other varmits can be destructive but they usually seek a source of food.

Do you have any rat poison to put out . I have seen them get comfortable with a car that sits. They like to nest and return to where they came. Does the car sit used for any periods of time?

On the repair side I guess it is up to how bad the ahrness was destroyed. If only the covering was eaten then a repair can be made but otherwise you are right to replace the harness.

robdog · Post by **robdog** » 01 Sep 2009, 13:05

Hi John,

Tks for the quick reply. Rats are a big problem in my area, and have provided a lot of income for local car repair shops. I drive my car every day, so it's not a problem of my car sitting for long periods of time. The rats just like to overnight under the hood, snacking all night of various chewable engine parts. Sigh. The rat last night chewed thru a bunch of wires. I'll never understand it, but they do it all the time. Our only recourse is poison, like you said, or leave the hood open all night. I prefer to dust my engine compartment with chili powder. That keeps them away for a couple nights, but you gotta re-dust every day or so to keep the powder fresh.
I'm going to have to replace the wiring harness, and then buy another big bottle of chili powder! thanks again. robdog

Post by **JDS60R** » 01 Sep 2009, 13:16

Rob,
That's Horrible - I'm sorry you have to go through all of that.

I know I read somewhere that there is something they will take a bite of and hate it. I thikn it was that spray foam insualtion.

I have a friend who is a restoration specialist and I will write him in case he has any secrets.

Sorry I can't be more help

Post by **JDS60R** » 01 Sep 2009, 13:20

Here is one answer - ignore the MB anntifreeze change as ours are both HOAT antifreeze.

Hang a small bag containing moth balls under your hood. The smell of this should deter most vermin from disturbing valuable engine components like wiring and harnesses. Make sure that you have your engine bay professionally degreased and shampooed first. Sometimes animals are attracted to the smell of anti-freeze that may be leaking out or oozing out of hoses. Sometimes bees are attracted to the smell of hot gear oil.. Anything you do to keep your engine bay clean will help immensely. Also, flush and clean your cooling system replacing old coolant with Mercedes Benz coolant. This won't normally ooze and will protect expensive engine components if the car is left sitting for great lengths of time. Good Luck!!!!