Yes — and it's one of the most serious risks that comes with a squirrel getting into a loft. Squirrels are rodents, and like all rodents their incisors grow continuously throughout their life, so gnawing is a constant behaviour, not an occasional one. Electrical cable insulation is soft enough to chew through easily, and once a squirrel has taken an interest in a particular cable run, repeated gnawing can expose bare wire.
Why this matters more than other squirrel damage
Structural damage to timber or insulation is a real cost, but exposed or damaged wiring in a loft is a genuine fire safety issue. Roof spaces are often the last place a fault would be noticed, since they're rarely visited, well insulated, and full of material that can act as fuel if a spark does occur. Homeowners in Windsor with older properties — where original wiring may already be older and less robust than modern circuits — should treat any sign of squirrel activity in the loft as a reason to have the electrics checked, not just the roof space itself.
Warning signs of cable damage
- Visible bite or gnaw marks on cable insulation where cables are accessible in the loft
- Flickering lights, circuits tripping, or intermittent faults with no obvious cause
- A burning smell in the loft or upper floors with no clear source
- Chewed pipe lagging or boxing near cable runs, suggesting general gnawing activity in that area
- Any scorch marks around cabling, which should be treated as urgent
What to do if you suspect cable damage
If you notice any of the signs above, don't go into the loft to inspect wiring yourself if you're not confident doing so safely — call a qualified electrician to check the circuits, and have the squirrels themselves dealt with by a pest control professional. Removing the squirrels without also having the wiring checked leaves a potential hazard in place, and checking the wiring without dealing with the squirrels means the damage is likely to recur.
Because of the fire risk involved, cable damage should never be treated as a lower priority than other squirrel damage in a Windsor loft. Pest Services Berkshire can inspect the roof space, remove the squirrels, and advise on next steps if wiring appears to have been affected — contact us if you've noticed any of these warning signs.
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