Rodent attack...now what?

[superfly_snook]

This is basically my worst nightmare. Rats will pee all over and that scent just attracts more rats. So even if you trap the rats chances are more rats will come along and make a home there. If this is all happening in a garage then first step is to find out how they are getting into the garage and occlude those entries while you deal with the rats already in using your preferred method. The only thing effective against rats in my experience (and with the rats that have gotten under my house) is the big old snap-traps from the hardware store baited with some peanut butter.

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[AllInev]

So, this is a new one for us. Our R1S is 3 months old, and started throwing an error message about a week ago. The service center was puzzled at first but it turns out that some of the wiring was damaged by rodents. $3,500 and of course not covered by insurance. The worst part is that it could happen again and we feel helpless.

I am researching the different options online and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this in general? ie sprays? some sort of electric "fence" around the car, ultrasounds etc?

We have a bunch of traps set in the garage of course.

Thanks

I've had rat/rodent problems as well --see attached photos of my R1T and Chevy Bolt. I've gotten very good at removing the R1 tub and clearing out nests.

There appears to be lots of evidence that concentrated peppermint oil placed throughout the underside can deter rodents. Seems to work for me as well.

Setting traps under the R1 and Bolt has also helped. I've been pretty successful with the RatZapper. If you go that route, be sure to bait the traps UNARMED for a few days in a row. Once the rats/rodents get comfortable taking the bait, you can arm the trap(s) and start collecting bodies in the mornings.

 

[Count Orlok]

see this thread: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...ness-causing-7k-repair-and-1650-towing.10446/

 

[pricedm]

That's horrible - I had heard of a similar issue with Tesla early on. Apparently some of the eco-friendly coatings applied were more attractive to rabbits and other types of animals. I was always afraid after delivery of my 3 since we used to have a huge rabbit population in the area (has since dwindled down due to our cat population).

I'm not sure if there's a solve other than putting the car in a garage.

Happened to my 1992 Honda hatchback. Neither eco-friendly wire coating or a Tesla/ EV (not newsworthy lol).

Unfortunately can occur to any vehicle with plastic or rubber, mice lovez to chew. Yes, some contemporary wire coatings taste better, in addition to advantageous automotive uses.

lots of solutions on the forums...

 

[pricedm]

see this thread: https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/...ness-causing-7k-repair-and-1650-towing.10446/

is this metal grid electrified?

 

[SANZC02]

is this metal grid electrified?

Yes it is, not cheap though.

https://thegridguard.com/

 

[SDMiner]

So, this is a new one for us. Our R1S is 3 months old, and started throwing an error message about a week ago. The service center was puzzled at first but it turns out that some of the wiring was damaged by rodents. $3,500 and of course not covered by insurance. The worst part is that it could happen again and we feel helpless.

I am researching the different options online and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this in general? ie sprays? some sort of electric "fence" around the car, ultrasounds etc?

We have a bunch of traps set in the garage of course.

Thanks

Although auto insurance does not cover it, if you have homeowner's insurance you might check and see if that does. My wife had rodents chew up the wiring harness on her Honda Fit and our insurance covered it--saved several thousand dollars.

 

[lefkonj]

Same thing happened to a friends Nissan, just so annoying. I have had good luck with the ultrasonic ones, they are cheap and work for a very long time.

 

[Count Orlok]

is this metal grid electrified?

yes. The Count even had staff check it by hand just in case the voltmeter was giving a false positive.

 

[CO-Ed]

Sorry to hear that.

I had similar damage to an ATV I keep in an outdoor shed. Mothballs seem to keep the rodents away. I also have the peppermint oil spray, but that needs to be reapplied every week or so, so I opted to stick with the mothballs.

 

[Robin]

I realize this doesn't help you, but we have two stray cats living in our garage. They have a nest but prefer the Rivian (and I'm sure help with any pests).

I do TNR in my community and after healing up from their surgery, these two decided they preferred the cushy indoor life. Of course occasionally I have to chase them down off the glass roof. Don't want to find one Kim Java'ing through it someday, haha. ?

Good luck, let us know how it goes with the repairs!

Good kitty, give them lots of treats ????‍?

 

[Robin]

Sorry, that stinks. And it can get worse, as in if you don’t get rid of them, they will both eat wires again and leave your vehicle fouled with a permanent odor.

You must be aggressive, persistent, and assasin like. Bring the professional artillery. All the things. Stay vigilant. Bear down. Long ball.

??

 

[FooF]

This is basically my worst nightmare. Rats will pee all over and that scent just attracts more rats. So even if you trap the rats chances are more rats will come along and make a home there. If this is all happening in a garage then first step is to find out how they are getting into the garage and occlude those entries while you deal with the rats already in using your preferred method. The only thing effective against rats in my experience (and with the rats that have gotten under my house) is the big old snap-traps from the hardware store baited with some peanut butter.

Owltra works well too
https://www.amazon.com/OWLTRA-Outdo...1710343511&sprefix=owltra,aps,208&sr=8-2&th=1

 

[100Million]

So, this is a new one for us. Our R1S is 3 months old, and started throwing an error message about a week ago. The service center was puzzled at first but it turns out that some of the wiring was damaged by rodents. $3,500 and of course not covered by insurance. The worst part is that it could happen again and we feel helpless.

I am researching the different options online and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this in general? ie sprays? some sort of electric "fence" around the car, ultrasounds etc?

We have a bunch of traps set in the garage of course.

Thanks

It won't happen again if you get rid of the rodents and these are not mice is your pack rats....

 

[Kuro-Rivian]

Bummer! Just did some maintenance on wife cars and found this. This car was driven EVERY day this winter and they still set up shop, unbelievable. (chipmunks). Key is to set traps at the first sign of cold in the fall. That's when they move in. Forgot this year myself.

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