Rodent outbreaks in the United Kingdom are causing major losses for drivers, as rats and mice continue to chew through the wiring of vehicles parked on the streets.
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The information was shared by the British tabloid The Sun, citing data from insurer Aviva. According to the company, there was a 28% increase in the number of vehicle damage incidents caused by rodents between 2023 and 2024 in the UK.
Additionally, during the same period, the average cost of rodent-related claims handled by the company also rose, with the total value of claims increasing by 11% to an average of £2,494 (approximately $3,300).
“In the winter months, rats and mice look for warmer places to build nests and can squeeze through the smallest gaps, including grilles, ventilation openings, or open vehicle windows,” explained James Driscoll, motor claims manager at Aviva.
“Once inside a car, rodents can cause significant damage, from chewing wires and internal components to building nests in the engine,” he added. This can lead to breakdowns, warning lights, loss of certain functions, and high costs for diagnostics and part replacements.
Tony Smith, a pest controller at All Aspects Pest Control in Reading, England, described the rat population in the UK as “out of control.” He told Autocar that he receives up to four calls per week from drivers dealing with rodent damage.
“Earlier this year, I was called to assist a customer whose Porsche Cayenne had been damaged by rats. The car needed a new wiring harness and, including diagnostics, the repair cost £7,000,” Smith revealed.
He suggested that one reason modern engines may be more vulnerable is the use of bioplastics in wiring harnesses, which he believes are attractive to rats, potentially encouraging them to chew on cables.
The British Pest Control Association added that more than half of its members have observed an increase in rat-related callouts over the past five years, suggesting the trend is widespread rather than localized.
Unfortunately, there are limits to what pest controllers can do to effectively protect vehicles. “The law does not allow us to permanently place poisoned bait,” Smith explained.
“Among other things, we risk killing field mice, which are endangered. In any case, rats are intelligent and very cautious about unfamiliar substances.”
Photo: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
