Skip to main content

Just imagine it: you wake up in the morning ready to knock out your short trip after a hard week in the Big Apple. You turn your ignition key and– well, nothing happens. After raising your hood, you discover evidence of rats. Well, that’s precisely what’s happening to some New York City residents as rats make a meal of their parked cars. 

New York City rats are causing damage to Brooklyn-based cars, but they’re not the only ones

Brooklyn residents in Ocean Hill are dealing with something of a nuisance lately. New York City rats are targeting parked cars. One Ocean Hill car owner told News 12 Brooklyn that rats had climbed into her vehicle on Hull Street and feasted on wiring. 

Tragically, the event resulted in repairs costing $500. Melissa told her interviewer that it wasn’t just her, either. “I’m the second person on this block whose car wires were eaten because of the rats,” she said. Melissa even asserted that the cleanliness of her block shouldn’t lend itself to the presence of the wee pests. 

Well, it’s hardly the giant rat monster from the smash hit Netflix series Stranger Things upturning and flattening cars. However, rodent damage is a serious issue for motorists. In the UK, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), similar to AAA in the US, declared 2023 the “unofficial year of the rat” for obvious reasons. 

Specifically, rodent-related breakdowns rose 55% from 2018 to 2023. The little nuisances have an appetite for wires, rubber, and hosing. As such, over 300 British breakdowns in 2023 were the result of damage to fuel lines, electrical wiring, and sensors. What’s more, after the rodents are in the vehicle, they tend to look for food and nest.

However, whether you’re dealing with British, New York City, or extraterrestrial rats, there are a few things you can do to make your ride less of a snack. For starters, drive your vehicle regularly. A stationary car is a target for nesting rats. Further, consider using sonic or chemical deterrents. Rats are notoriously resourceful, but they’re still opportunists. Consequently, vehicle owners should reconsider leaving snacks and drinks in their cars.

Best in News
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).