Mice/Rats Chewing Wires

For the last two winters, rodents of some sort have gnawed on my 2007 Tacoma's wires. The first winter they chewed right down to the connector on the wires going to the throttle body. This year they hit the wires that go to the fuel injectors, but I think I've arrived at a preventative that seems to work! Anyplace there are bare wires going into a connector, I've put a big glob of silicone caulk and the dirty rats don't seem to like it as they don't touch the silicone. Can anyone think of any harm I'm doing with the silicone? Thanks!

 

Dang rats!!! Welcome to TW!

 

Silicone corrodes electronics. Most automotive sealers do not contain silicone but we call it silicone out of habit. You cannot outguess mice. Do you have any food sources nearby? I keep a few of those loaded mouse poison traps in my garage. Sometimes you can place the appropriate sized split loom over a problem area, and then coat the outside flutes with a bit of grease. They don't like grease.

 

The silicone should be fine. Some varieties gas off some corrosive fumes when curing but that shouldn't be an issue for your application.

You might think about trapping poisoning those critters. Another option is to provide them food and a better place to nest. If they're eating your wires they're either really hungry or looking to make a home.

 

you need silicone which does not have acetic acid in it (bathroom grade
and some GP silicones)

there are electronic grade silicones you can look for

 

Thanks for all the return posts. I live in the middle of the forest, so everywhere is rodent habitat. Last year I tried poison and a huge rat made his way into my trucks ductwork and died! Luckily I was able to get it out before it began to decay. I appreciate all the suggestions!