How Rodents Can Damage Your Electrical Wiring

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As the seasons start to shift towards cooler weather, we begin to pack up our outdoor areas and move inside for warmer entertainment. The same is true for rodents, like rats and mice! They don’t want to be caught out in the cold any more than we do.

Many of the same things that keep us cozy in our homes over the winter are the same things that attract rodents. A nice, warm nest is attractive to them but can be devastating to your insulation and electrical systems. A preventive program of rodent proofing will go a long way to preventing these unwanted guests.

We’re here to help! Give us a call to see how we can help rodent-proof your home. If it’s too late, we’re also experts in rodent removal. Either way, we are here to help make sure your home remains rodent-free.

Why are rodents horrible house guests?

There are several reasons that rats and mice make terrible houseguests. Able to get into tiny spaces, rodents will chew through nearly anything to find food and nesting supplies. Their spectacular skill at getting through small gaps could lead to contamination of the food in your pantry, and they could even spread disease as a result of their waste.

One thing that they are particularly good at is chewing through electrical wiring. Damaged electrical wiring could lead to severe damage to electrical appliances and a significantly increased risk of fire. A good rodent proofing program will go a long way to keeping your electrical system safe.

How can I tell if I have a rodent problem?

You should be on the lookout for some telltale signs that rats or mice have made themselves at home in your house. If you hear chewing, scurrying, or scratching sounds coming from dark corners or within the walls, it isn’t necessarily your imagination. It could be unwanted rodents!

If your lights start flickering in weird ways or your outlets start sparking when you use them, you’ll want to examine them carefully to ensure they are intact. It’s wise to call an electrician immediately to see if rodents have compromised your electrical system. The risk of a house fire is too significant to ignore the warning signs. Call in the experts to perform professional rodent removal to stay safe.

What do I do if I find evidence of rodents in my home?

Once you’ve got the evidence that there are rodents in your home, you must get rid of them as soon as possible. The first thing you should do is seal up your home. Examine the walls and foundations for even the smallest of holes. Rodents can also make their way through tiny cracks in floorboards. Fill any holes you find with wire mesh or steel wool, and fill gaps with special caulking to prevent further entry.

Then set some traps or other deterrents to make sure the problem goes away for good. 

Of course, it’s always best to bring in the professionals! At Attic Projects, we specialize in rodent proofing and rodent removal. Our practices are safe and humane, guaranteeing you to have the safest, cleanest house free of rodents as possible. Give us a call today to see how we can help!


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