If you’ve noticed signs of rats chewing electrical wires in your home, you’re not alone, and you’re right to be concerned. This strange habit of wire-gnawing isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. 

Rats chewing electrical wires can cause power outages, malfunctioning appliances, or even fires. 

But have you wondered why rats damage wires in the first place? And how can you work on preventing rats from chewing wires? 

Rats chew through wires for several reasons, from maintaining their teeth to building nests. No matter the reason, this behavior can lead to serious damage and safety risks. 

Don’t worry, though—we have you covered when it comes to rodent infestations. 

Let’s explore why rats chew electrical wires and how you can stop them with professional help.

Tooth Maintenance

Rats are chewing machines. This is because their front teeth, called incisors, never stop growing. Imagine if your fingernails never stopped growing—you’d have to keep trimming them so they wouldn’t get in the way. For rats, chewing acts as a form of “teeth trimming,” keeping their incisors at a manageable length.

Electrical wires are especially attractive to rats because of their texture. The hard outer casing of the wires gives rats a perfect surface to grind their teeth on. Unfortunately, this chewing habit can expose the wire’s inner metal, creating a serious risk for electrical fires and short circuits.

Why does it matter?

• Damaged wires can leave you with costly repairs.
• Exposed wiring increases the chance of electrical fires.
• It can also lead to power outages or appliance malfunctions.

If you find chewed wires in your home, it’s a clear sign that rats are living nearby. When that happens, it’s time to contact our professionals to address the problem before it grows worse.

Building Nests

Rats are hardworking when it comes to making comfortable homes for themselves, even if it means causing damage to your home. Wires, insulation, and other materials are often chewed and shredded by rats to build their nests. They use these materials to make warm and safe places for their families.

You might not notice a problem at first, but rats building nests in walls or attics can cause huge issues over time. Wires chewed for nesting purposes can spark fires if the damaged insulation is near wood or other flammable materials.

What things do rats use to build nests?

• Wire Coverings and Insulation: Rats use these because they help make their nests warm and strong, giving them a cozy and safe place to live.
• Shredded Paper or Cardboard: Rats like these because they are easy to chew up and shape into soft, comfortable nests for their babies.
• Fabric or Furniture Stuffing: Rats pick these materials because they are soft and cozy, making their nests more comfortable and warm for their families.

Nest-building rats don’t just stop at wires; they’ll chew through almost anything to gather materials. We can identify these problem areas in your home and help make sure rats won’t have a chance to turn your house into their nest.

Soy-Based Wire Coatings

Here’s a surprising fact—sometimes, the very material of the wires can attract rats. Many modern electrical wires are coated with soy-based materials, which are more environmentally friendly but unfortunately act as a “snack” for rodents. Rats chewing electrical wires may be doing so because they are drawn to the soy content, thinking it could be a potential food source.

Did You Know?

• Soy-based coatings smell appealing to rodents.
• This type of wire is commonly used in cars, appliances, and homes.
• Switching to rodent-resistant wires can be pricey and isn’t always a guarantee that rats won’t chew on them.

If you suspect rodents are being lured to your wiring, a professional inspection can help identify these issues and prevent further damage.

Stress and Curiosity

Rats chew not only because they need to but sometimes because they want to. Rodents are naturally curious animals and will explore new objects or materials in their environment by biting into them. If they come across wires, they may chew them out of sheer curiosity to see what they’re dealing with.

Stress is another big reason rats chew. Living in cramped spaces, being near humans, or sensing other dangers can make rats anxious. To cope with stress, they chew on things in their surroundings, including wires.

How does stress make it worse?

• Stressed rats are more likely to chew frequently.
• High anxiety can drive them to chew on multiple wires or areas.
• When rats are scared or nervous, chewing helps them feel safe.
• If rats don’t have a comfortable place to hide, they might chew more often.
• Loud noises or sudden changes in their environment can make rats even more stressed, leading to more chewing.

The problem is, stressed or curious rats won’t stop on their own. That’s why calling our wildlife control services is so important—we know how to handle these behaviors humanely.

How to Prevent Rats from Chewing Wires

Preventing rats from chewing wires might sound tricky, but there are clear steps you can take—starting with calling our professionals who know how to manage rodent removal. Left untreated, a rat infestation can quickly spiral into a major problem. Here are a few strategies used to prevent rats from damaging wires:

Professional Prevention Tips:

• Seal Entry Points: Rats can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces. Our professional technicians will ensure all cracks, vents, and gaps around your home are sealed to keep them out. This prevents rats from finding new ways to sneak inside and make themselves at home.
• Install One-Way Doors: We specialize in using humane one-way doors that allow rats to leave your home without being able to return. These doors are designed to guide the rats out safely while ensuring they can’t re-enter through the same path.
• Declutter Problem Areas: Rats love messy spaces where they can hide. Skedaddle experts can identify cluttered spots that may be risking an unwelcome rodent presence. By organizing and cleaning these areas, you can make your home less attractive to rodents.
• Rodent-Proofing Measures: Protect problem-prone areas like attics and crawl spaces with rodent-proof materials. These materials are tough enough to stop rats from chewing through and creating new entry points.

Even small changes to prevent rats from accessing wires can go a long way, but ultimately, professional help is the safest option.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

Rats chewing electrical wires isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. Wire damage caused by rodents can set your home up for electrical problems, fires, and expensive repairs. Instead of risking it, call us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in North Atlanta. We’ll safely remove rats from your property using humane methods and ensure they won’t come back. 

Our team is trained to spot the signs of rats chewing electrical wires and take the right steps to protect your home. Whether it’s sealing entry points, using one-way doors, or inspecting your property for hidden nests, we handle the tough work so you don’t have to. Reach out to us today—we’d be happy to help.

If you need help preventing rats from chewing wires or dealing with any other rodent issues, we’re ready to assist. Contact us now to schedule an inspection or request an estimate. Protect your home and stop rats in their tracks with Skedaddle!