Discovering gnawed electrical wiring in the attic is one of the more urgent wildlife situations a homeowner can face, because it is a fire hazard that does not wait for a convenient resolution timeline. Squirrel chewing on wiring is common in Western North Carolina; squirrels gnaw compulsively on hard materials to keep their incisors worn down, and insulated electrical wiring in an attic is both accessible and conveniently sized for that behavior.
Immediate Steps
Document What You Find
Before disturbing anything, photograph the damaged wiring from a distance. Note the type of wiring (individual wires in conduit, Romex cable, older cloth-wrapped wire), the location in the attic, and the approximate extent of the damage. This documentation is useful for both the electrician and any insurance conversation that follows.
Do Not Touch Exposed Wiring
Wiring with stripped or partially stripped insulation is a shock hazard. Do not attempt to repair or tape over damaged wires yourself. If you have concern about the safety of a circuit, contact a licensed electrician to evaluate and de-energize it before any further attic work is done.
Call for Wildlife Removal
The squirrels need to be removed before the electrical repair is permanent, otherwise, they will return and re-damage the repair within weeks. Removal and exclusion should proceed concurrently with or before the electrical work.
The Full Repair Sequence
- Wildlife inspection to identify entry points and confirm the species.
- Squirrel removal using trapping or one-way exclusion devices.
- Entry point sealing, all confirmed and potential gaps closed with appropriate materials.
- Electrician inspection and repair of damaged wiring.
- Optional: attic insulation inspection for damage and compression from nesting activity.
How Extensive Is Squirrel Wiring Damage?
This varies significantly. A single squirrel present for a short period may damage one or two cable runs. A family group present for a season can damage dozens of wire runs throughout an attic. The electrician will need to inspect the full attic space, not just the areas where droppings or visible damage are concentrated. Code-compliant repair of damaged Romex wiring typically involves replacement rather than splicing or taping.
Insurance Considerations
If squirrel-damaged wiring causes an electrical fire, fire damage may be covered under homeowner's insurance. The wildlife damage itself and the removal cost are generally not covered. Documenting the damage before any remediation work is done supports any claim that follows.
