At Lightning Bug Electric, our experts understand that the presence of rodents and critters in your home can pose a threat to your health and peace of mind. They can cause damage to your home by creating holds through your walls and carry disease and other infestations. But did you know that they can damage your home electrical system as well?
What Should I Keep An Eye Out For?
The wires which run through your home are covered in plastic insulation, which has the purpose of protecting the surrounding walls and material from the heat generated from the wire. Rodents can inflict a great amount of damage by biting or chewing through the insulation or creating nests. So if you detect bite marks or nests, it’s a telltale sign that rodents are living in your home.
What are the Dangers of Electrical Wiring Damage?
If rodents or critters are chewing through your wires, there are two main dangers. The first is full blown electrical outages. Other less serious problems can occur, such as marginal circuit damage or blown breakers, but discrepancies in power could mean more severe issues to come.
The second danger is increasing the potential for a house fire. Wires that are exposed, which are due to the insulation being damage caused by rodents, may short circuit or arc against surrounding material, which can be easily flammable.
How Can I Protect My Home?
Rodents, such as rats or mice, are capable of infesting a home by locating the smallest opening to any house. In order to prevent infestation from occurring, it’s best to hire a pest-control professional to get rid of the problem once and for all. Then, locate all of the possible ways rodents and critters can enter your home and fix them. Once you are able to manage the pest problem, it’s imperative to hire a professional electrician to begin working on your damaged wiring.
If your home has sustained damage and is in need of an inspection, do not hesitate to contact our expert electricians today!