Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
If you see signs of rats or mice, don’t ignore them. Rodents may seem like small, harmless creatures, but their natural behaviors can lead to significant problems for homeowners, car owners, and businesses alike.
This Cascade video highlights just how destructive rodents can be when they target wiring systems.
Why Do Rodents Chew on Wires
Rodents have a constant need to gnaw because of their ever-growing incisors. This means that if they are in your home or garage, they will be chewing on anything they can get their teeth on.
One of the more dangerous things they could chew is the wiring in your house. Rodents are attracted to wires because of the texture of the insulation, their accessibility, and even the soy-based compounds that some wires are made of. Chewing through the protective layering can expose electrical wires. “Hot” electrical wires can arc and catch on fire.
Chewing on wiring is not uncommon and rodents can compromise electrical systems in a variety of settings.
- Homes: inside of walls, attics, and basements where wiring is found.
- Vehicles: rodents can make their way under car hoods where wiring is accessible.
- Businesses: all kinds of warehouses and offices are susceptible to rodents gnawing on hidden wiring.
The Critical Danger of Rodent-Exposed Wiring
When rodents are at work chewing through protective layers around electrical wiring, they expose your home, business, or vehicle to serious risk. Because wires in the home run between floors and ceiling as well as in the walls, an exposed wire could spark, causing insulation, wood framing, or plywood to catch fire. Rats and mice are primarily likely to chew in hidden areas, which means you might not even be aware of the damage. This can lead to several serious issues:
Fire Hazards
Exposed wires can arc and spark, leading to the very real risk of fires. Scorch marks from rat-exposed wiring reveal how close some houses have come to igniting. If the circuit breaker fails to cut off the current, fire is likely to break out.
Power Outages
Damaged wires can be compromised and lead to power disruption in the power systems of homes, cars, and businesses. Even if a fire doesn’t spark, power can be cut off, leading to serious headaches.
Costly Repairs
Allowing rodents unchecked access can lead to expensive repairs as technicians must diagnose and reach the problem areas. Replacing the wires and repairing electrical systems (as well as the structural damage needed to get to the affected area) can strain your pocketbook.
Vehicle Malfunctions
In addition to home and business risks, vehicles can also succumb to rodent gnawing. Electrical systems in cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs can be damaged, leading to costly repairs and the failure of critical systems like airbags.
Signs of Rodent Infestation
Don’t ignore the signs of a rodent infestation. While you might not immediately note chewed-up wires, keep your eyes open for other signs that rodents are around.
Droppings
A huge sign of rodents is droppings. If you find droppings around, you will want to take action. Rodents drop feces wherever they go.
Chew marks
Of course, any chew marks are evidence of a critter gnawing in your house. Look for evidence along baseboards, furniture, cardboard, and less trafficked areas (like basements & attics).
Smudges & Trails
Rats, in particular, leave evidence of their presence in the form of dirty, oily smudge marks. These might be found along baseboards, pipes, or walls.
Nesting Sites
You might be looking at a nest if you see piles of material like shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter.
How to Prevent Rodent Damage to Wires
A proactive response to rodent infestations is always best. If you catch the trigger before it becomes a problem, it will save you time, money, and heartache.
Restrict Access
Rodents can enter your house through an opening as small as a dime. So make sure to access your home. Cover holes with steel mesh or stuff with steel wool. Fix cracks, add door sweeps, and prune vegetation around the building. Don’t leave garage doors open overnight.
Protect Wiring
Ensure your wiring is covered with rodent-resistant tubing or conduit in material that a rodent can’t chew through.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keep your home and yard clear of clutter and other attractants that can draw rodents in. Seal up food, and don’t leave pet food outside.
Regular Inspections
Don’t become complaisant. Check for signs of rodent activity frequently and take action if there are any concerns.
What To Do If You Suspect Damage
If you see evidence that your wiring has been compromised by rodents, take action.
- Turn off the power to prevent accidents
- Contact a licensed electrician to inspect the damage and repair the wires
- Consider hiring a pest control service to get to the root cause of the problem.
Don’t let a little creature create a massive problem. Take action to eradicate or prevent rodents from compromising your electrical systems and causing extensive damage. And let Cascade Pest Control help. Call them today at 888-989-8979.
