The Highlands, KY — It’s not just attics. We are receiving reports from residents along Bardstown Road that squirrels are nesting in engine bays and chewing through expensive electrical wiring.

As temperatures drop, the warmth of a recently parked car engine attracts squirrels. The soy-based insulation used in modern car wiring is also a known attractant for rodents.

Why Do They Do It?

1. Warmth: A car engine stays warm for hours after being turned off, making it a perfect nesting spot on a cold night.
2. Teeth Maintenance: Rodents’ teeth grow continuously. They must gnaw on hard objects to keep them filed down. Wires, hoses, and plastic covers offer the perfect resistance.
3. Soy-Based Wiring: Many auto manufacturers now use soy-based bioplastics for wire insulation. While eco-friendly, some experts believe the smell attracts rodents.

The Cost of Damage

Repairing a chewed wiring harness can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It can also cause electrical shorts, warning lights, and even vehicle fires.

Prevention Tips

• Park Inside: If possible, park in a garage.
• Check Under the Hood: Pop the hood regularly to check for nesting material (leaves, insulation, nut shells).
• Move Your Car: Don’t leave a car parked in the same spot for days at a time.
• Deterrents: Some people have success with peppermint oil sprays or ultrasonic devices placed under the hood (though results vary).
• Remove Attractants: Don’t park under oak or walnut trees if possible. Remove bird feeders from the area.

If you have a heavy squirrel population on your property, trapping and removal may be necessary to reduce the pressure.