Can Rodents Chew Through Plastic or Rubber in Winter Storage?

 

Rodents, like mice and rats, can absolutely chew through most types of plastic and rubber even during winter storage. Their teeth are exceptionally strong and keep growing throughout their lives, so they constantly need to gnaw on things to wear them down. This means that even thick plastic bins, plastic fuel lines, wiring insulation, rubber gaskets, hosepipes, and similar materials do not reliably stop rodents from getting inside to nest or look for food. If you’re counting on plastic or rubber to keep rodents out during winter, unfortunately, it won’t work.

 

Why Rodents Chew Plastic and Rubber

 

Rodents have very sharp, durable front teeth called incisors. These teeth never stop growing, so rodents must constantly chew on hard objects to keep their teeth from getting too long. Plastic and rubber are soft enough for rodents to chew through easily. In winter, rodents are especially motivated to find warmth, shelter, and food, so they work hard to get inside stored items or areas.

 

Items at Risk in Storage

 

• Plastic storage containers: Even “heavy-duty” tubs can be punctured or tunneled through by rodents.
• Rubber hoses and gaskets: Common in vehicles, machinery, or home appliances, these are often chewed on and destroyed.
• Wiring: The plastic insulation around electrical wires is a frequent target, which can lead to costly damage or even fires.
• Plastic fuel lines or water lines: These are at risk in stored cars, boats, lawn equipment, etc.
• Plastic packaging on stored foods or seeds: Rodents can easily access the contents by chewing through the wrap.

 

Why Winter Storage Increases the Risk

 

When the weather gets cold, rodents actively seek out places that provide shelter and warmth. Garages, sheds, barns, attics, basements, vehicles, and storage units become prime targets. Food sources may be limited outdoors, so stored bird seed, pet food, or snacks also attract them. The combination of limited food, cold temperatures, and easy-to-chew barriers increases rodent activity and damage in winter storage situations.

 

How to Protect Stored Items From Rodents

 

The only reliable way to stop rodents from getting to your belongings is to use barriers they cannot chew through. This means:

• Replace plastic bins with metal containers (like galvanized steel trash cans or metal lockers) for storage.
• Store wiring, hoses, and machinery parts off the ground and away from rodent entry points.
• Seal all gaps, cracks, and holes larger than a quarter-inch (0.6 cm) in your storage area using steel wool, metal flashing, or concrete.
• Avoid leaving any food, seeds, or pet food in plastic or cardboard containers—use glass or metal containers instead.
• Use snap traps, electronic traps, or bait stations to reduce rodent populations around your storage area.
• Keep storage spaces clean and decluttered, removing materials rodents could use for nesting.

 

Summary: What You Need to Remember

 

Plastic and rubber can never be counted on as rodent-proof materials, especially during the winter when rodents are most desperate. For winter storage, always use metal for truly effective protection, and take additional steps to keep rodents out and minimize the risk of damage to your belongings and property.