Rodents are not just unsanitary; they can be destructive as well. But if you think that all they will destroy is the food in your pantry, think again. In attics and behind walls, rodents have been known to gnaw mercilessly through electrical wiring. Maybe they’re just conniving creatures, or perhaps copper is the perfect sharpening tool for their pointy chompers.
Whichever the case, we can all agree that their actions can seriously threaten your home’s electrical safety. That’s why it’s important to be able to tell whether you’re dealing with a rodent problem or if your electrical wiring is just faulty. Here are some of the telltale signs:
- Flickering Lights. Flickering lights are never a good sign, especially if you notice them in rooms far apart from each other. This may mean mice have chewed through wires in different locations. Naughty little nibblers!
- Singed Outlets. If you notice any blackened or warped plastic outlets, rodents may have chewed through some wires, leading to shorts. Make sure to unplug appliances right away before you get an electrifying surprise.
- Visible Bite Marks on Wires or Shredded Insulation. If you see this, the proof is in the pudding, or rather the rodent’s mouth. Those rascals left their mark.
- A Mysterious Burning Smell. A mysterious burning smell with no apparent source could mean a rodent got zapped while chomping away. Be sure to get it checked out.
What Can You Do?
If you suspect rodents have been treating your electrical wiring like a buffet, call us immediately for urgent electrical repairs. We’ll find and fix any hazardous chew spots those little guys left behind, making it look like they were never there. Also, it might be worth taking preventative measures, like sealing off as many cracks and entry points as possible around your home’s exterior. And it never hurts to call an exterminator to send those destructive pests packing.