Mice and rats’ insatiable urge to chew creates huge problems for humans. Rodents find wires irresistible for chewing, which not only causes millions of dollars in damage per year, but also causes house fires. It is estimated that rodents are responsible for at least 20% of fires in the United States in which the cause is otherwise unknown. Unfortunately, most people don’t fully realize the dangers of chewed wires and don’t see the signs until the damage has already been done.
Why Do Mice Chew Wires
Rodent with overgrown bottom teeth, gross mouth
Rodent teeth never stop growing. If left to their own devices, the teeth of animals such as mice and rats would grow so long that they can no longer eat, and will eventually starve to death. Chewing on wood, hard plastic, and even metal can help keep their teeth trimmed to the proper size. Their rounded shape and relatively small size makes them perfect for fitting inside rodent mouths as well as gripping in their tiny hands. They have no interest in eating these materials, but the result of untrimmed teeth is very painful and they will seek to avoid it.
Know The Signs
Most people don’t notice damage to their wiring until it’s too late.
Though rodents tend to try to keep a low profile, they are far from undetectable. Here are some of the signs that your wires are getting nibbled:
Gnaw marks on cables and wires
Gnaw marks on cables and wires is an obvious sign that they’re being chewed. Rodent bite marks usually appear as parallel grooves in the wire or rubber and often leave live wire exposed.
Droppings near outlets or electrical boxes
If you notice droppings near electrical outlets, it could indicate that rodents are in the vicinity of your wires and cables
Malfunctioning/blinking appliances and flickering lights
Appliance malfunctions and flickering lights are a sign that electrical connection is being interrupted, potentially by rodent activity.
Singed outlets
Singed outlets are a very serious issue that occurs when wires break down and electrical connection becomes looser. This causes what is known as an electrical “arc”, which happens when sudden and unpredicted surges of electricity flow to your outlets. This can be a result of wires getting older, but it is also commonly caused by rodents.
Burnt, decaying smells
Of all of the unpleasant odors linked to rodent infestation, this is arguably the most concerning. If you smell burning and/ or decay, it can indicate that a rodent was electrocuted in your walls.
How To Stop Rodent Damage
The best way to prevent rodent damage is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place.
Shut Them Out
At Modern Pest, we know that the best way to prevent rodent damage is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Securing common entry points can help keep your home rodent-free. It is also important to ensure that you are not attracting them to your home
Use Deterrents
While deterrents alone won’t solve a rodent issue, they can make wires a little less tempting for gnaw-happy mice. Strong scents like peppermint oil or pine can make your wires a bit less appealing. However, the best approach is to prevent mice from accessing wires in the first place.
Cover Your Wires
Consider adding plastic or steel coverings to protect exposed wires. This makes it much harder for rodents to reach wires and cause damage.
Call in the Experts
Worried about electrical damage? Us too—but we’re pest experts, not electricians! If you’re seeing signs of rodent activity like droppings near outlets or hearing gnawing sounds in your walls, let us handle the pest side before it turns into a real problem.