You lock your doors at night and check the batteries in your smoke detectors, but a silent threat might still be hiding inside your walls. While most homeowners worry about faulty appliances or unattended candles, a significant fire hazard often goes completely unnoticed until it is too late. Mice and rats pose a serious danger to your home’s electrical system, and the damage they cause can be devastating.
Why Rodents Target Your Wiring
It sounds strange, but rodents actually need to chew on things. Their front teeth never stop growing, so they must gnaw on hard materials to keep them filed down. Unfortunately, the electrical wiring running behind your drywall and through your attic offers the perfect resistance for their teeth.
Once a mouse or rat strips away the protective plastic insulation, the bare copper wire inside becomes exposed. This exposed wire creates a dangerous situation known as arcing. When the electrical current jumps between these damaged wires or contacts flammable building materials like insulation or wood framing, sparks fly. Consequently, a fire can ignite deep within your walls where you cannot see it.
The Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Since you cannot see inside your walls, you must rely on other warning signs to detect this problem. Flickering lights often signal a disruption in the circuit caused by gnawing. You might also notice outlets that suddenly stop working or trip the breaker repeatedly. Furthermore, a burning smell with no obvious source is a critical red flag that requires immediate attention.
Protecting Your Home
Preventing these fires starts with controlling the pest population. Sealing entry points around your foundation and roofline keeps rodents out effectively. If you suspect you already have guests, professional pest control is the safest route to remove them quickly.
Don’t let a small pest become a massive disaster. If you hear scratching in the walls or spot signs of rodent activity, contact Allison Pest Control immediately. We will help secure your home against these furry fire hazards so you can sleep soundly tonight.
