Posted on 10/10/2019 11:07:08 AM PDT by Red Badger
It seems that making insulation out of an edible substance makes it more appealing to pests.
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In an effort to be more friendly to the environment, companies are making more and more automotive components out of renewable materials, such as soy or even cannabis. Unfortunately, a side effect of building cars out of edible materials is that rodents are eating them, reports the Detroit Free Press.
The use of soy in car parts is nothing new. Ford has been making seats out of a soybean-based foam for the past ten years. Ford also uses soy rather than petroleum for wire insulation. However, some owners have been running into unforeseen problems when rodents find their way into cars and eat the edible insulation.
Ford is not alone in suffering this problem. In 2016, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Toyota claiming the company should cover this type of damage after Albert Heber was forced to pay around $1,500 to fix the chewed wiring in his 2012 Tundra under warranty.
"We think the addition of soy in the insulation has taken the episode of rats chewing through the wires through the roof," attorney Brian Kabateck, who is involved with the class-action lawsuit, told the Detroit Free Press.
Toyota, however, denies that modern insulation is any more appealing to rodents than the old petroleum-based insulation. “Rodent damage to vehicle wiring occurs across the industry, and the issue is not brand- or model-specific. We are currently not aware of any scientific evidence that shows rodents are attracted to automotive wiring because of alleged soy-based content," the company retorted.
Toyota is correct that the problem is not limited to any particular brand or model. The use of renewable materials such as soy has spread across the entire automotive industry, which means that despite the class-action lawsuit applying only to owners of 2012 to 2016 Toyotas, similar issues could occur in pretty much any modern car.
Mouse infestations in vehicles, even those that are driven regularly, have been a problem for a long time. A furry visitor recently made a home in my VW Jetta Ute project, and I've cleaned rodent nests out of other cars in the past. Mice chewing wires and causing electrical problems is nothing new. But now that soy has become popular as an insulation, instances of this type of problem appear to be on the rise.
It worked pretty well. Later, I found that human urine (much cheaper) worked almost as well.
Had a bunny nesting in a bush in my front yard that I couldn't get rid of with the human stuff because it affords no privacy like the shed. So, on a whim I decided to clean the cat box out and throw it in the bush. Bunny moved on.
Happened at my daughter’s and Son-in-law’s apartment:
The whole building was plumbed with CPVC, from back in the early 80’s.
All the apartments had to be re plumbed because of leaks..............
https://www.clickorlando.com/news/plumbers-warn-of-cpvc-piping-problems_20151105190735671
Yea, anyone with common sense would know that CPCV was NOT going to hold up against hot water and would turn brittle.
Oh well...that’s why I don’t trust new-fangled ideas when it comes to plumbing. Give me copper, or give me (whatever)!
Also good for scaring buzzards off a gut wagon.
Who would have guessed that critters would actually eat something that is edible?
Sounds like it might be a sure cure for all the “soy boys” running around these days...
Next it will people.
“Kelly....why are the rats gnawing on my leg??”
“It’s all the soy, Bruce! It’s all the sooooooooooooy!”
Great ideas, unintended consequences....
What could possibly go wrong?
Guess the verdict is coming in.
This has been going on for decades. Even before goats chewed on tires and such.
Coming next: electrical wires made out of hot sauce. What could go wrong?
(”Hey, that line is hot!” “I know! Pass the dip!”)
Which reminds me, I need a new Bottle Opener for my Beer.
“Rat got into our garage”
I have been using electric rodant control for years. It chased away bats in my old home and mice in my new place.
Peppermint oil as a deterrent?
Since the wiring isnt going to be changed or replaced with non-soy crap, get some pest repellant sprays for deer/rodents and spritz the underside and the wiring cables (not open wires/connectioms but the bundles) and that smell should keep them away. Do it as often as the package says it lasts.
Does it really work?..................
I’ll take two. Thanks... #;^)
Happened to my wife’s BMW, expensive repair
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