Some homeowners are tipped off to the presence of rats in their home when they find feces in their living spaces. Unlike some critters that have a dedicated latrine area, rats will excrete waste while on the move. The rat feces can then be followed like a trail to see where the rats have been. In some cases the fece trail leads under or behind kitchen appliances. Can rats cause damage to kitchen appliances and if so how?
In short, yes rats can cause damage to kitchen appliances. Rats are creatures of habit and will typically follow the route they traveled the day prior. In many cases rats can be observed traveling utility and water lines into structures. While traversing utility and water lines they might also stop and partake in another of their habits, chewing.
Rats are innately wired to chew on materials softer than the enamel of their teeth. Their persistent chewing forms and whittles their constantly growing teeth. When rats find a material they are keen on gnawing they habitually chew until that material has been fragmented.
Plastic casings outside electrical wires and hoses supplying water to appliances are commonly shredded when rats gain access to them. In most cases when rats have chewed through electrical wires or water lines they damage the functionality of the appliance. When rats chew through the plastic lines supplying water to refrigerators or dishwashers those appliances become dysfunctional. We have also witnessed microwaves, ovens and faucets turn inoperable after rats chewed through their utility lines.
Rats are creatures of habit. If rats find a material they enjoy chewing they may gnaw and fragment that material to bits and pieces. There are any number of reasons a kitchen appliance might stop working. However, if one sees rat feces in their home trailing to a failing appliance there’s potentially a connection between the two instances.
For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors.