Of all the problems a squirrel infestation can cause, chewed electrical cabling is the one that carries genuine safety risk, not just cost or inconvenience. This is a real and recurring issue in Newbury lofts where squirrels have established themselves, and it deserves to be taken seriously rather than left until a noise stops and the problem seems to have gone away on its own.
Why squirrels chew cables in the first place
Squirrels gnaw constantly, partly to wear down front teeth that never stop growing, and partly out of general exploratory behaviour. Cables running through a loft are just another object to a squirrel — there's no way for the animal to distinguish a live electrical cable from a piece of timber or a length of pipe lagging, and the plastic sheathing around wiring is easy for a squirrel's teeth to strip away.
The specific risks this creates
- Fire risk from exposed live wiring, particularly where damaged cable is in contact with dry timber, insulation, or other combustible material in the loft
- Electrical faults affecting circuits connected to the roof space, sometimes showing up as intermittent problems elsewhere in the house
- Risk to smoke alarm or immersion heater wiring if it happens to be routed through the affected part of the loft
- Cost and disruption of identifying and repairing damaged sections of cabling, which can be extensive if the squirrel has been active for some time
Why this risk is often invisible until it's serious
Chewed cabling isn't something most homeowners see day to day — it's tucked away above the ceiling, out of sight. The first sign might be nothing more than a flickering light or a tripped circuit, which is easy to dismiss as an unrelated electrical fault. In more serious cases, the first indication is a burning smell or, worse, an actual fire, which is why proactive inspection matters more than waiting for symptoms.
What should happen once damage is found
Any wiring found to be chewed or exposed during a squirrel inspection should be treated as a genuine electrical hazard and assessed by a qualified electrician before the circuit is used again. Removing the squirrels and sealing entry points addresses the source of the problem, but the electrical damage itself needs proper repair, not just the animal being gone.
If you've heard movement in your Newbury loft, don't wait for an electrical symptom to appear before getting it checked. Pest Services Berkshire inspects lofts for squirrel activity and associated damage, including wiring, as standard — contact us on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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