In New York, product safety and quality watchdog Consumer Reports has evaluated techniques from car makers and internet posters alike on keeping vermin from chewing wiring, hoses, and other car parts—a problem that is increasing as automakers try to boost renewable, but rat-attracting, content in passenger vehicles.
“We uncovered various technical service bulletins from Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, and Subaru instructing their technicians how to remedy chewed wiring harnesses,” the magazine says. “So many people have been looking for solutions that the topic has trended on Reddit.”
Remedies have ranged from metal mesh to hot sauce. Rodent-deterrent tape, recommended by Honda, includes the spice capsaicin and can be bought online for about $36 for a 20-meter roll. Other suggestions for dealing with rodents under your hood include installing a metal mesh around wiring harnesses and rubber hoses or applying mouse poison mixed with peanut butter around your garage.