What does a rat gnaw through? - briefly
Rats chew on materials ranging from wood, plastic, and cardboard to electrical wiring, drywall, and insulation to prevent their incisors from overgrowing.
What does a rat gnaw through? - in detail
Rats possess continuously growing incisors that require constant abrasion. The resulting pressure, combined with powerful jaw muscles, enables them to cut through a wide range of substances encountered in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
The most common items compromised by rodent chewing include:
- Softwood framing, plywood, and particleboard; fibers separate under repeated gnawing, weakening structural components.
- Drywall and plaster; gypsum layers fracture easily, exposing interior cavities.
- Polyethylene and PVC piping; thin walls crack, allowing water leakage and subsequent damage.
- Electrical insulation and copper conductors; stripped wires create short circuits and fire hazards.
- Foam insulation, both spray‑applied and board forms; cellular structure collapses under bite forces.
- Rubber seals, gaskets, and silicone tubing; elasticity is reduced, leading to loss of airtight or watertight integrity.
- Cardboard, paper, and fabric; these materials are rapidly consumed, providing nests and food sources.
Less frequent but notable targets involve:
- Concrete blocks with cracks; rats exploit existing fissures and enlarge them over time.
- Metal sheeting thinner than 2 mm; repeated gnawing can thin the material enough to puncture.
- Glass panes with compromised edges; rats may chip peripheral areas, creating entry points.
The extent of damage depends on species size, health, and environmental conditions. Larger specimens such as Norway rats generate higher bite forces, allowing penetration of denser materials. In humid environments, softened wood and insulation become more vulnerable, accelerating degradation.
Effective mitigation requires sealing entry points, using materials resistant to rodent incisors (e.g., hardened steel, reinforced concrete), and eliminating food and nesting resources that motivate gnawing behavior.