TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) — Rats have been blamed for chewing through some apparently delectable wiring and causing street light outages in an Arkansas city.

The Texarkana Gazette reports electricians in Texarkana have begun repairing a string of street lights on the median of part of Interstate 30. Experts believe a new kind of electrical insulation, using a soy-based plastic, has attracted the rats by smell and taste.

Public Works Director Tyler Richards told the city Board of Directors on Monday that the cost to fix the damaged lights could reach $15,000. Some of the lights are flashing, indicating low voltage.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Boots Thomas says it's a driver safety issue and flashing lights can leave travelers dazed and confused.

Animal control experts are working on poisoning the rats.

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Information from: Texarkana Gazette, http://www.texarkanagazette.com