Of all the reasons to take a squirrel infestation seriously, wiring damage is the one that carries the greatest safety risk. It's a problem we see regularly in Reading roof spaces, and it's not just a minor inconvenience — chewed cabling in a loft can create a genuine fire hazard.
Why squirrels chew wiring in the first place
A grey squirrel's incisors grow continuously throughout its life, so gnawing is a constant instinctive behaviour, not an occasional habit. Cabling in a loft is an obvious target because the plastic sheathing is easy to bite through, and squirrels will often gnaw at whatever is within reach as they explore and settle into a roof space, including electrical cable, telephone and satellite lines, and even pipework.
The risks this creates
- Exposed or bare wiring increases the risk of an electrical fault or fire in the roof void
- Damaged cabling can affect lighting, sockets, alarm systems or smoke detectors wired through the loft
- Chewed telephone, internet or satellite cabling can cause intermittent faults that are hard to trace
- Repeated gnawing at the same cable run can progressively weaken insulation over time even if it isn't immediately obvious
Signs to look out for
From ground level or at the loft hatch, it's worth looking for any visible cable with the outer sheathing stripped back, unusual scorch marks, or an unexplained smell of burning. If you notice flickering lights, intermittent power issues, or electrical faults with no obvious cause soon after suspecting squirrel activity, it's worth having both the wiring and the loft checked properly.
Why this affects insurance and safety, not just pest control
Because of the fire risk involved, wiring damage from squirrels isn't something to leave and monitor. Beyond removing the squirrels and proofing the entry points, homeowners often need a qualified electrician to inspect and, where necessary, repair or replace damaged cabling in the loft — this is a separate job from pest control but an important one to arrange promptly.
If you suspect squirrels have been active in your loft and you're at all concerned about wiring, don't wait to find out. Contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 to arrange an assessment of your Reading property, and we'll advise honestly on what needs attention, including flagging anything that should be looked at by an electrician.
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