Yes, and it's one of the more serious consequences of a squirrel getting into a loft rather than just a nuisance. Grey squirrels have teeth that grow continuously throughout their life, and gnawing is how they keep that growth in check. Cabling running through a roof space — often exactly where a squirrel chooses to nest — is an easy, convenient target.
Why Wiring Specifically Gets Targeted
It isn't personal, and squirrels aren't drawn to wiring because of the electricity inside it. The plastic sheathing on cables simply has the right texture and resistance for a squirrel to gnaw on, similar to the wood and other materials they naturally wear their teeth down on. Loft cabling is also usually undisturbed and easy to reach compared to wiring elsewhere in a property, making it a frequent casualty wherever squirrels have taken up residence.
The Real Risk to Earley Homes
- Exposed or damaged wiring insulation increasing the risk of a short circuit or electrical fire
- Intermittent electrical faults that are hard to diagnose because the damage is hidden in the loft, out of sight
- Damage to telephone, satellite or aerial cabling running through the same roof void
- Potential complications with home insurance claims if rodent or squirrel damage is found to be a contributing cause
- Ongoing risk that increases the longer squirrels remain undetected in the roof space
What to Do If You Suspect Wiring Damage
If you've noticed flickering lights, an intermittent fault, or a smell of something burning near the loft, treat it seriously and don't wait for it to resolve itself. This combination — electrical irregularities plus signs of squirrel activity such as daytime noise or displaced insulation — warrants both a pest inspection and, where damage is confirmed or suspected, an assessment by a qualified electrician.
We regularly find chewed cabling during squirrel inspections in Earley lofts, and part of our job is flagging that damage clearly so you can get it looked at by the right trade alongside dealing with the squirrels themselves. If you're concerned about wiring in your roof space, don't leave it — contact Pest Services Berkshire for an inspection.
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