Damaged home or auto wiring?

Rodent Damage is Serious

Rodents, those small and furry creatures that like to find their way into your home, have a very destructive habit: constant chewing. To comprehend why they engage in this behavior and the far-reaching consequences, let's delve into the biology and habits of these pests.

Each year, rodents cause significant damage to property, crops, and food supplies across the United States. In addition to damaging property, rodents may also spread diseases, posing a serious risk to public health. Rodent-borne diseases can be transferred directly to humans through bite wounds.

– United States Environmental Protection Agency

Unceasing Instinct to Chew...Everything
One key factor driving rodents to chew incessantly is their dental biology. Much like human nails, the teeth of rodents, such as rats and mice, never stop growing. If these teeth grow too long, it can hinder their ability to eat and survive. Consequently, their instinct is to gnaw on objects relentlessly, effectively grinding down and sharpening their teeth in the process. This behavior is a fundamental survival mechanism for them.

Stress and Anxiety Relief
Interestingly, chewing on objects, including electrical wiring, can also serve as a means of stress and anxiety relief for rodents. It's not uncommon for them to turn to gnawing when feeling stressed, adding another layer to their destructive tendencies.

The Scope of Rodent Chewing
Rodents are not selective in what they chew on; their sharp teeth are formidable tools that can damage a wide range of materials. This includes wood, plastic, plaster, insulation, and, most alarmingly, electrical wiring. When they infiltrate homes or garages, anything within reach becomes fair game for their relentless gnawing.

Impact on Vehicles and Homes
You may have heard stories of these tiny troublemakers wreaking havoc on vehicles. They've been known to chew through power steering lines, fill engine intakes with acorns, or block air-conditioning ducts with nesting material. Moreover, when rodents decide to build their homes inside your home, they often utilize wiring as a building material, compounding the damage.

The Dangerous Consequences of Chewing Wiring
Chewing on any type of wiring poses serious risks. When rodents chew through the protective insulation of wires, they expose the bare metal surfaces. This can lead to several hazardous outcomes, including:

  • Short Circuits: Exposed wires increase the likelihood of short circuits, which can disrupt electrical systems and cause power outages.
  • Electrical Fires: The exposed wires can spark, potentially leading to electrical fires that pose a significant threat to your property.
  • Electrocution: In some cases, rodents can electrocute themselves while chewing on live wires, creating further complications.

The relentless chewing behavior of rodents, driven by their dental needs and stress relief, can result in significant damage to your property. It's imperative to address any rodent infestations promptly and take preventive measures to protect your home and vehicles from these tiny but potentially destructive creatures.

Rodents cause damage inside
and outside your home.

Damaged garbage canDamaged home wiring.Damaged sprinkler headRodent damage to wiring.

Signs that rodents have damaged your wiring

  • Bite marks on wiring and cables
  • Scratching sounds behind your walls
  • Nests and droppings in your walls/attic/subfloor
  • Flickering lights
  • Malfunctioning appliances
  • Frequently tripped circuits
  • Appliance or vehicle failure
  • Power fluctuations
  • A burnt smell (could indicate a dead/electrocuted rodent)

The only way to keep them from damaging your property is to remove them...and never let them back in.

The relentless chewing behavior of rodents, driven by their dental needs and stress relief, can result in significant damage to your property. It's imperative to address any rodent infestations promptly and take preventive measures to protect your home and vehicles from these destructive pests.

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