Content Updated: August 11, 2026

Key takeaways:

  • Rats chew to keep their continuously growing front teeth worn down, often damaging common household materials in the process.

  • Rats can chew through wood, cardboard, drywall, plastic, soft metals, weakened concrete, brick, insulation, and electrical wiring.

  • Rats chewing on electrical wiring can cause wires to short circuit, creating a potential fire hazard.

  • Materials such as hardened steel, thick concrete, and certain metal alloys are more resistant to rat damage.

  • Sealing potential entry points with durable rodent-resistant materials can help keep rats out of your home.

Rats have powerful jaws and continuously growing front teeth that allow them to chew through many common household materials. Their chewing can damage homes and create safety hazards. Learn what rats can chew through, which materials are more resistant to rat damage, and how to help protect your home.

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House materials weak to rats

Rats are persistent chewers, capable of gnawing through a surprising variety of materials. Here's a list of everyday household items that rats can chew through:

  • Wood: Baseboards, furniture, cabinets, and structural beams.

  • Cardboard: Boxes, packaging materials, and paper products.

  • Drywall: Interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and attics.

  • Plastic: Food containers, water bottles, pipes, and electrical cords.

  • Metal: Soft metals like aluminum, lead, and copper.

  • Concrete: Uncured or weakened concrete.

  • Brick: Soft or damaged bricks.

  • Electrical wiring: A significant fire hazard.

  • Insulation: Fiberglass and foam insulation.

One fact unknown to property owners is that rats are the cause of many building fires. In their quest to keep their incisors filed down, they gnaw through electrical wiring. This can cause the wires to short circuit, potentially starting a fire.

Are there any ‘rat-proof’ materials?

Now we know what rats can chew through, but what can rats not chew through? While rats have powerful teeth, they are not invincible. Materials like hardened steel, thick concrete, and certain metal alloys are too tough for rats to penetrate. These materials are often used in rodent-proofing measures, such as steel mesh, heavy-duty hardware cloth, and reinforced concrete foundations.

Choosing a pest provider to prevent rats in the first place

When it comes to keeping your home safe from rats, hiring a professional pest control company is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Terminix, we understand the importance of prevention in protecting your property. Our rat control services not only address existing infestations but also focus on proactive measures to help stop rats from entering your home in the first place.

We use advanced materials like Flexi ArmorTM products, made of durable knitted stainless steel mesh, and other materials that rats cannot chew through to help deny their entry. Our technicians use these products to seal potential entry points like gaps around pipes, vents, and cracks in the foundation. Schedule an inspection to get started!