Squirrels have a natural inclination to gnaw on objects, including electrical wires, for several reasons. For one thing, their teeth are continually growing, and chewing helps keep them at a manageable length. These little creatures will chew wires while searching for nesting materials, such as insulation or wood gnawed from the structure of your home to create a cozy nest for themselves and their offspring.

However, when squirrels or rats chew your wiring, this will expose the inner copper or aluminum wiring, leaving it vulnerable to short circuits and sparks. If left undetected, these compromised wires can ignite, potentially leading to a catastrophic fire in your home.  Chewed wiring by animals is a leading cause of house fires in the United States!