Disturbing Discovery! Rodents and Wiring

[HIDrive]

While doing my oil change this evening I made a terrible discovery. The wiring harness just below the oil filter and leading towards the firewall has been munched on! Most of it still looks intact except for the outer housing and the final wire at the back has been severed! I have no idea how long it has been like this and I have yet to get any warning lights and the car seemingly runs great... Can someone please help me identify what wires/plugs these are and can just this section be repaired or replaced or is it the end of a much larger harness? I did as thorough of a search of the rest of the engine bay and everything else seems fine but no way of being 100% certain! I guess im looking for some deterrent recs too if you have them.

PHOTOS OF THE CARNAGE

[LYKUNO]

Sorry to see the damage. I can't identify what those wires/connections are for from your pics, but would recommend doing a VCDS (or equivalent) scan of your car for error codes, to determine what components or systems may have been affected.

As far as a repellent is concerned, I've had success in stopping mice and other vermin from getting into my attic, as well as under the outdoor air conditioning unit (when it's covered for the winter months) using Fresh Cab. It's typically used for vehicles that are stored, e.g., RVs, boats, etc. But I don't see why it couldn't be used under the hood of your car, as long as it wasn't sitting on parts that get very hot, like exhaust manifolds, etc. It can also be placed in your garage or near where you park your vehicle. Here's a link to the product and more info: https://www.earthkind.com/product/fr...ent-repellent/

[SHCKR]

While doing by oil change this evening I made a terrible discovery. The wiring harness just below the oil filter and leading towards the firewall has been munched on! Most of it still looks intact except for the outer housing and the final wire at the back has been severed! I have no idea how long it has been like this and I have yet to get any warning lights and the car seemingly runs great... Can someone please help me identify what wires/plugs these are and can just this section be repaired or replaced or is it the end of a much larger harness? I did as thorough of a search of the rest of the engine bay and everything else seems fine but no way of being 100% certain! I guess im looking for some deterrent recs too if you have them.

PHOTOS OF THE CARNAGE

See if your insurance will cover the replacement

[ChicagoNB]

I had this happen TWICE on my A3 in a matter of 7 months. Rats chewed thru the wiring harness to the oil level sensor. I had to have it replaced twice at about $1200 each time. After the second time, the dealership said we have a spray we can put on there to see if it deters them from chewing on them again. They offered that AFTER having the repair done twice. I was irate as to why it wasn't offered the first time. Ask your dealership what the spray is called or have them apply it. So far it has worked for me.

[LYKUNO]

Here are some additional deterrents (including sprays) for consideration and advice on eliminating the rodent problems.
https://www.automasterly.com/best-ro...ents-for-cars/

[a4audi4fun]

These products seem to be based around peppermint and cinnamon scents - wonder if peppermint oil from a grocery store would have the same effect?