Yes — and it's one of the more serious risks that squirrels bring with them into a roof space. Their front teeth grow continuously throughout their life, so gnawing isn't occasional behaviour, it's a constant biological need. Anything within reach in a Sandhurst loft, cables included, is a candidate.
Why wiring is particularly at risk
Most loft spaces have some electrical cabling running through them — lighting circuits, alarm wiring, satellite or aerial cable, sometimes cabling for solar panels or outbuildings. This cabling is often run along or near the joists, exactly where a squirrel will travel and nest. The plastic sheathing offers no real resistance to a squirrel's teeth, and once the insulation is breached, the exposed wire underneath is a genuine hazard.
The risks this creates
- Exposed live wiring creates a fire risk, particularly where gnawed cable sits against dry insulation or timber, both of which are combustible
- Damaged cabling can cause intermittent electrical faults that are difficult to trace back to the loft
- Chewed wiring may affect circuits beyond just lighting, including smoke alarm interconnections in some properties
- Repeated gnawing in the same area can strip cable insulation over a length of wire, not just a single point
Signs that wiring may already be affected
Flickering lights, circuits tripping without an obvious cause, or a burning smell near the loft hatch are all worth taking seriously if you know or suspect squirrels have been active in the roof space. These aren't things to wait on — if you notice any of them alongside signs of squirrel activity, it's worth getting both the wiring and the infestation checked promptly.
Why this makes early action important
The longer squirrels remain in a loft, the more opportunity there is for cabling to be damaged, simply because gnawing is a routine, ongoing behaviour rather than a one-off event. Dealing with an infestation early — before it becomes established — reduces the chance of this kind of damage building up unnoticed above a ceiling.
If you suspect squirrels are active in your Sandhurst loft and you're concerned about wiring, don't wait to find out the hard way. Pest Services Berkshire can inspect the roof space and advise on next steps — call 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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