May 30, 2022"

Preventing Rodent’s

December will bring in those chilly temperatures. The cooler weather tends to drive unwanted outside visitors into our homes. Why is this important to note in relation to our electrical system? Well, rodents love to chew and seem to have a particular penchant for the insulation on your electrical work, which can damage your home systems and even cause a fire. Yes, rodents damage your electrical system! Here are a few tips on how to keep these furry pests away.

Signs to look out for that you may have an unwanted guest

• LOOK: Rodents will leave signs that they are around. You just need to look

For them. The telltale sign that they are in our home is to see droppings.

Surely, you’ve seen them before they are a little black or grey and oval-shaped.

You may also spot nesting material in enclosed spaces. These materials can be

of numerous materials such as string, twine, insulation, leaves, or clothing.

• LISTEN: You can tell if there is something crawling, scratching, or chewing on your

walls by listening for the noises

Winter is a good time to check your wiring!

• Make sure your wiring is in good condition and hasn’t been chewed on periodically by inspecting the insulation. Of course, you will not be able to see what is behind your walls, but you will notice by looking around the house where you can see.
• Pay attention to unexplained electrical problems. It’s possible that rodents are damaging your electrical system if you notice that some rooms or circuits do not have reliable power or if your breakers keep tripping without reason.

If you spot signs that a rodent or rodents are in your home, make sure to act promptly to remove them. The longer they stay housed inside, the more havoc they can cause.

• Call a Professional
• Combat the issue on your own using various traps and poisons available at the local store. Always read the instructions carefully to ensure the proper use of any method you decide to use. After all, safety in your home is the goal here.
• Cats! They are a great deterrent for keeping rodents from damaging your electrical system and away from or out of your home.
• The best way to avoid rodents from damaging your electrical system is to keep them out of your home. Caulk, foam spray, or other barriers can seal any cracks or holes around your home. Keep in mind that it is not uncommon for rodents to find tiny cracks or even chew their way in.

Remember, chewed wires in your home are a safety concern!

If you suspect rodents may have chewed through your electrical work, contact an expert DFW electrician immediately.