Rats and mice can be cute critters if they stay on Rat Island. But, let them set foot on your home, or worse yet, into your bed and toothbrush drawers, and they become pests. In the average home, electrical outlets take the cake regarding the number of visits made per year by live rodents. It’s not their fault, of course. Rodents are naturally curious creatures who get a thrill out of exploring the great unknown. They’ll do this at any expense necessary, including the safety of your home and those who dwell within it- which means serious rodent control is a must to deal with them!
Why Do Mice and Rats Chew Electrical Wires?
Rats and mice are omnivores, which means they eat everything. They constantly chew on things to keep their teeth sharp and their digestive tract healthy. This is why they chew on electrical wires — it’s not because they’re trying to ruin your day; they think it will help them survive.
What Problems Can Rodents Cause When They Chew On Electrical Wires?
Rodent damage can be costly and dangerous. Several things could happen if you find that rodents have chewed through your electrical wires.
Rodents that chew on electrical wires can cause a short circuit that could lead to fires or electrocution. It is also possible for them to get electrocuted themselves if they come into contact with the wire. The rodent could get electrocuted by touching the exposed wire. If this happens, it could mean death for the rodent and an inconvenient clean-up for you. That would be bad enough, but if this happens inside your wall or ceiling, it could cause a fire! There may be no way to extinguish the flames quickly enough before they spread too far — especially if you don’t know precisely where in your home they’re located.
In addition to the danger of fire, chewing on electrical wires can also cause damage to appliances and electronics. For example, chewing on an electric cord can cause it to fray or even break, which could lead to an electrical shock if you touch it while plugged in. Chewing on a power line could also cause short circuits by damaging the wiring inside your home or business. Professional rodent control services can save you from this grief!
How Can I Tell If I Have Rodents in My Home?
If you see droppings, rats or mice have likely made themselves home into your house. Droppings are blackish-brown and can be found in corners, behind appliances, and under sinks. You may also notice:
- chewed wood and wires
- gnaw marks on food packaging
- holes in boxes and bags
- shredded paper and rags
- trails of food crumbs
- grease stains on walls (from rubbing)
- urine stains on floors and walls
- nests with babies inside them
- pet food missing (raccoons will eat pet food as a substitute for meat)
- and noises coming from behind walls or under floors at night
These are sure signs that your home is in need of a visit from rodent control professionals.
How Can I Prevent Rats, Mice, Squirrels, and Other Rodents From Entering My Home?
The best approach to rodent control is to prevent them from entering your home by sealing up any holes or gaps outside your home. You can use steel wool and caulk to seal up any holes you find. You should also ensure no holes in your garage door, which may give rodents access to your home. If you have an attic, make sure there are no holes between it and the rest of your house. You should also keep food sealed up and in airtight containers and ensure that pet food is inaccessible to pets and rodents.
What Should You Do If You Find Out That You Have a Rodent Problem?
Rodents can cause significant damage to your property, and they can also spread disease. You need to contact rodent control services with experience dealing with rodent infestations so that they can help you remove the rodents from your home. At Green Pest Defense, we offer a green pest management method that focuses on targeted treatments, exclusionary approaches, and preventative services while still giving the best results. Contact us immediately so we can assist you in eliminating your rodent issue!