I&#x27;ve worked as an electrician, and a telecommunications worker.  Ever piece of wire, I have ever touched is coated with some kind of slightly odorous, film of oil.  I presume it&#x27;s left over from the manufacturing process, or purposely sprayed on for protection, or pulling?<p>I do know rats (rodents) will eat grease.  I had a rat eat a tube of lube I use for my worm drive drill.  I remember looking at that tube, and thinking that rat must have been hungry.<p>Actually, a squirrel could have eaten the lube?  I do feed squirrels where I live.  Funny little guys.  One used to rattle my screen door if I would go more than a week without putting food in their dish.