In the digital age, internet connectivity has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, even the most advanced technology can sometimes be compromised by the most unexpected adversaries. One such unusual foe is the seemingly innocent rat. In this blog, we delve into the world of rat-chewed internet cables, exploring the motives behind these rodent shenanigans and the measures taken to mitigate this modern-day challenge.
Rats are well known for their sharp teeth and insatiable chewing habits. For reasons still not entirely understood, they take a particular liking to gnawing on cables, and internet cables are no exception. Their propensity to chew on these vital connections has led to numerous frustrating and costly disruptions in internet services, affecting both individuals and businesses.
While it might be tempting to assume that rats have some secret war against the digital realm, the truth is far more straightforward. Rats chew on internet cables and other wires for several reasons:
- Teeth Maintenance: Like other rodents, rats’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Chewing on hard materials, such as cables, helps them keep their teeth at a manageable length.
- Nesting Material: Rats often seek out soft and flexible materials to create nests for their young. The rubber and plastic coating on cables are perfect nesting materials from their perspective.
- Marking Territory: Rats use their scent glands to mark objects in their surroundings, claiming them as their territory. By chewing on cables, they leave behind their distinctive odor.
- Foraging Behavior: Rats are scavengers by nature, and they explore their surroundings by nibbling on various objects, including cables, out of curiosity.
The consequences of rat-induced cable damage can be significant. Internet outages can disrupt businesses, communication, and daily activities that rely heavily on a stable Internet connection. Moreover, repairing and replacing damaged cables can be a costly affair.
One such recent incident is as below:
UK Town Loses Internet After Rats Bite Broadband Cables
By Louise Franco, August 04, 2023
Rats gnawed broadband cables in a town in the United Kingdom, resulting in internet loss for several days. One such town is Tring, located in Hertfordshire County, England, which first experienced the disruption last Saturday, July 29.
The rare incident reportedly caused frustration to some residents even though power has been restored for the majority of customers.
Hundreds of residents in Tring were left without internet connection for almost four days after the Hertfordshire rats targeted the cables for reasons unknown. Engineers worked “around the clock” to restore the town’s network, the Independent U.K. reported on Friday, August 4.
The repair required re-routing 650 meters of multiple cables to avoid disturbing the nest. The damage to the broadband wires was surprising since such penetration usually needed drilling, according to the report. It is still unclear how many rats exactly feasted on the cables. The internet service company in the town addressed the matter on social media.
This wasn’t the first time such an incident, here’s another one from the recent past:
Rats chew through internet cables leaving almost 2,000 Brits without WiFi leaving users fuming
Adriana Elgueta, 18 October 2021
Customers were left fuming after rats chewed through internet cables leaving almost 2,000 residents without WiFi.
Openreach said engineers were working to solve the problem, but had no estimated repair time.
The firm, which runs the digital network used by providers such as BT, Vodafone, Plusnet and Sky, revealed rodents were behind the outage.
The rats left approximately 1,800 customers across Torridge, Devon, without internet over the weekend.
An Openreach spokesman said: “Our telephone and broadband network in and around the Bideford, Clovelly, Hartland and Horns Cross exchange areas has been damaged by rodents.
“Our engineers are working hard to get the repairs done quickly and safely; we don’t have an estimated repair time yet but will keep you updated as they progress.
“We understand how frustrating this must be for anyone is affected and thank residents and businesses for their patience.
Prevention is undoubtedly the best strategy when dealing with rats and their cable-chewing antics. Here are some effective preventive measures:
- Cable Management: Keeping cables organized and hidden away can reduce rats’ access and the temptation to chew on them.
- Seal Entry Points: Rats can enter buildings through small gaps and holes. Properly sealing entry points and cracks in walls and floors can limit their access to cable-rich areas.
- Plenty of natural deterrents and ultrasonic devices are available in the market but of no use.
So what can be done to keep the rodents away from the internet infrastructure?
Well, the solution available with C Tech Corporation to this nuisance is a one-time solution and the need of the hour for the wire and cable industry. Our products are a blend of green chemistry and smart technology.
Our product Rodrepel™ is an extremely low-toxic, non-hazardous rodent aversive repellent. This product acts through a series of highly developed intricate mechanisms ensuring that rodents are kept away from the target application. Our eco-friendly products do not kill the target species but only repel them. The product is compliant with RoHS, RoHS2, RoHS3, REACH, APVMA, NEA, EU BPR, and FIFRA exempted.
The product available in the form of solid masterbatch can be incorporated into the outer sheath of the cable while they are manufactured. Thus, making the end application rodent resistant.
The product available as liquid concentrate can be diluted in paints and can be applied over the installed cables. The liquid concentrate is compatible with all kinds of paints and solvents.
The already installed cables, electric junction boxes, cable carriers, etc. can be coated with our lacquer to protect them from the pests gnawing at these applications and thus preventing outages. The lacquer is a transparent product and it does not wear off quickly.
The Rodrepel™ Rodent Repellent Spray is an easy-to-use product. The product can be sprayed on a designated area after clearing the dust and waste from the area/surface. The product when appropriately applied repels the rodents and protects the application from rodent damage. This product needs to be reapplied but is an excellent solution for already installed cables.
The rat’s affinity for cable chewing is inevitable, but its impact on internet connectivity is undoubtedly real. By understanding the rat’s motives and employing preventive measures, we can protect our internet infrastructure and reduce the frequency of these troublesome encounters. As technology continues to evolve, so does the need to safeguard it against unexpected adversaries like the humble but tenacious rat. Contact us at technical.marketing@ctechcorporation.com if you’re facing problems with rodents and get the best remedies to combat this menace.
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