How Pest Infestations Can Become a Fire Hazard
The rodents generally move within places within the premises which may have electrical wirings. Such places are likely to be the wall cavities, attics, basements, garages, ceilings, or utility rooms.
As we know, mice or rats tend to chew whatever they find around them. Therefore, if the wires come in contact with these rodents, the outer coating of insulation on the wires may get damaged.
When the wires lose their protective cover, they are not able to protect themselves against any electrical problems due to damage.
Possible problems can include:
- Short circuits
- Electrical arcing
- Overheating
- Damaged electrical connections
- Loss of power to circuits or equipment
These problems can increase fire risk under certain conditions, especially if heat or electrical arcing occurs close to combustible materials.
Can Rodents Actually Cause Electrical Fires?
The harm that rodents cause to wires will sometimes result in circumstances related to an electrical fire.
For instance, a mouse could bite through the wire insulation and not actually sever the conductor. In doing so, the exposed conductor would still be live but susceptible to arcing or overheating.
The level of risk depends on several factors, including:
- How much of the wire has been damaged
- Whether electrical conductors are exposed
- Where the damaged wiring is located
- The electrical load on the affected circuit
- Whether nearby materials can burn
The presence of rodents alone does not automatically suggest that there will be a fire. The issue lies in the possibility of increased fire hazards as a result of pests damaging electrical wiring.
Where Can Pest-Related Electrical Damage Occur?
Rodent electrical damage can happen anywhere mice or rats can reach electrical cables.
Common areas include:
- Attics
- Wall cavities
- Basements
- Garages
- Utility rooms
- Ceiling voids
- Areas behind appliances
- Spaces around mechanical or electrical equipment
Damage inside walls or above ceilings may be especially difficult for homeowners to notice.
Why Mice and Rats Chew Electrical Wiring
Mice and rats do not chew electrical wires because they are attracted to electricity.
Why Are Electrical Cables Vulnerable to Rodents?
Electric cables are often installed in the same areas where rodents can navigate a building.
Mice can navigate a building by traveling along walls, joists, pipes, ducts, and cable runs. Rats can also gnaw on materials encountered while navigating a path.
Several conditions can make wiring more vulnerable:
- Cables running through active rodent areas
- Wiring close to nests or harbourage
- Accessible cable runs in attics or basements
- Wiring passing through wall cavities
- Cables located near rodent travel routes
The outer insulation that is placed on electric cables is meant to protect the conductors inside from any form of harm. It is not supposed to be able to withstand constant chewing by rodents.
When mice bite electric cables or rats damage cable insulation, the electric system should be evaluated for any potential problems.
Can One Mouse Cause Meaningful Wiring Damage?
Even limited rodent activity can cause damage to an individual electrical wire.
One mouse does not have to damage an entire electrical wiring system to create a problem. Damaging one vulnerable part of the insulation alone might be enough to warrant an electrical inspection.
On the other hand, seeing one mouse does not mean that there is damage to electrical wiring.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Pest-Damaged Wiring?
If mice or rats may have damaged electrical wiring, homeowners should take a cautious approach.
- Do not touch damaged or exposed wiring. Avoid moving cables to inspect the damage more closely.
- Do not open electrical panels or remove electrical covers. These areas may contain energized components.
- Contact a qualified electrician. An electrician can assess suspected wiring damage and determine what repairs are necessary.
- Arrange a pest inspection if rodents are active. A pest control professional can identify signs of mice or rats and determine where activity is occurring.
- Address both problems. Repairing wiring without controlling rodents may leave cables vulnerable to further damage.
In case of any electrical emergencies like smoke, sparking, or fire, homeowners should not try to look for the cause of the problem but consider it an emergency situation.
When Should You Call Both a Pest Professional and an Electrician?
Calling both professionals may be appropriate when pest evidence and electrical concerns appear together.
Examples include:
- Rodents are active and visible wire insulation has been chewed.
- Droppings or nesting materials are found beside electrical cables.
- Electrical problems occur while mice or rats are active in the same part of the home.
- Rodents have been nesting near wiring or electrical equipment.
- Chewing damage is visible around utility areas.
- A previous rodent infestation occurred in an area containing significant wiring.
Electrician Responsibilities:
The electrician is responsible for inspecting electrical safety and repairing damaged parts.
Pest Control Worker Responsibilities:
The pest control worker is responsible for detecting and controlling the rodents causing the activity.
Both problems will need to be solved in order to prevent wire damage from occurring again. Simcoe PestX can assist with identifying and controlling the rodent activity.