Yes — and it's one of the more serious consequences of a squirrel infestation, not just a cosmetic problem. Grey squirrels gnaw constantly because their front teeth never stop growing, and loft wiring is exactly the kind of accessible material they'll target without any hesitation.
Why squirrels chew through cables
Gnawing isn't targeted vandalism — it's instinctive behaviour that helps squirrels keep their teeth at a manageable length, and cables happen to be a convenient, chewable material they encounter while moving around a roof space. Unlike timber, which they might chew opportunistically, wiring insulation is soft and easy to strip, making it an appealing option even when there's no particular reason to chew there.
The real risk of damaged wiring
- Exposed live wiring is a genuine fire risk, particularly in the confined, often dusty and insulation-packed environment of a loft space
- Damaged cables can cause intermittent electrical faults that are difficult to diagnose without knowing squirrels have been present
- Alarm systems, satellite or aerial cabling, and telecoms wiring running through the loft can also be affected, not just mains electrics
- Repeated exposure to gnawing can happen in multiple places, so a single repair doesn't guarantee the whole run is safe
Warning signs to look out for
Flickering lights, circuits tripping without an obvious cause, or a burning smell near the loft hatch are all signs that shouldn't be dismissed if you know or suspect squirrels have been in the roof space. Because wiring damage isn't always visible without going into the loft and checking cable runs directly, it's easy for this kind of damage to go unnoticed until it causes a bigger problem.
What to do if you suspect cable damage
If you've had squirrels in your loft, or suspect you currently do, it's worth having the roof space checked properly rather than assuming the wiring is fine. In some cases it's sensible to have an electrician inspect any exposed or suspect cabling once squirrels have been removed, alongside the pest control work itself.
This is one of the reasons it's worth acting quickly rather than living with loft noise for months. Pest Services Berkshire deals with squirrel infestations across Thatcham and can assess the condition of your roof space, including visible cable damage, as part of a full inspection — contact us for a free quotation.
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