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We are Fort Collins Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Colorado critter problems. We service the greater Fort Collins region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 970-399-1049 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Weld County, Boulder County, Grand County, Jackson County, Albany County, and more. We also service Loveland, LaPorte, Red Feather Lakes, Berthoud, Estes Park, Johnstown, Timnath, Wellington, Windsor, Bellvue, Glenhaven, Pourde Park, Buckeye, Livemore, Rustic, Campion, Kinikinik, Teds Place, Cherokee Park, Masonville, Waverly, Drake, Pinewood Springs, Glendevey, Pingree Park, and more.

Fort Collins Wildlife Education: Do Rodents Chew On Wires? Why?

You have probably heard that rodents chew on wires. With so many myths concerning these types of animals, you probably want to know whether or not they do in fact chew on wires. The short answer is yes, although it will depend on the type of rodents. Most rodents gnaw and this is just a fact of life. They will gnaw on whatever is handy and wires seem to be appealing options to them.



Why Rodents Gnaw
All rodents feel the need to gnaw because their teeth will grow. Humans have two sets of teeth, the baby ones and the adult ones. When our adult teeth come in, they are already fully grown. It is completely different with rodents. Rodents’ teeth keep growing and some estimates say that rat teeth, for example, can grow five inches in a single year. To deal with this growth, rodents gnaw on various items. It helps grind down the ends of their teeth so they don’t get overly long, letting the animals continue with their daily lives and eat without super long teeth getting in the way.

Realistically, most rodents will chew on anything they can find. Mice, for example, are known for gnawing on whatever item is handy. Some rodents, like rats, tend to prefer slightly soft items and unfortunately, wires are the perfect option.

Why Wires Are A Concern
Out of all the items that rodents can chew on, wires are one of the biggest concerns. That is because of the very real risk of fire. Let’s say that you don’t know you have rodents living in your attic, walls, or other area where wires run by. You continue to use your appliances and other electrical items in your home as normal since you don’t know there is a risk. If the wires were chewed, every time electricity runs through them, there is a fire risk. Since most homes are made from wood, the risk is even greater.

How To Prevent It
The best way to prevent rodents from chewing on your wires is to stop them from living in your home at all. Take steps to rodent-proof your home such as sealing up all potential entry points, including small holes in your walls. Don’t forget to add covers or grates to pipes as well. You can also try to put away food items right away so they don’t attract rodents looking for an easy food source. If you notice rodents in your home, work with a professional to remove them as soon as possible before they get the chance to chew through your wires.

Previous Education Articles
How to keep wild Fort Collins animals out of my garden
Do Fort Collins Snakes Feel Pain?
How to get Fort Collins opossums out of your attic?
How to find and remove a dead Fort Collins skunk