Your home is supposed to be that safe, quiet haven where you retire after a very long day. However, once rats enter, they silently create chaos by gnawing on electric wires, chewing on furniture, and leaving behind an unsanitary environment.
These rodents are actually more than just a nuisance; the destruction caused by them sometimes means serious damage to property and even the creation of fire hazards. Understanding how rats cause such destruction can help you take proactive steps in protecting your home and family.
We at JCS Pest Control, a pest control service provider in Chennai, offer Rat Control Chennai, Cockroach Pest Control Chennai, and Termite Control Chennai for total protection from unwanted pests that threaten comfort and safety.
Why Do Rats Chew on Everything?
Rats gnaw for a biological reason. Their incisors never stop growing, and to keep them sharp and short, they chew on hard objects.
Unfortunately, that includes:
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Electrical wires
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Wood furniture
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Plastic pipes
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Books and papers
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Cardboard boxes
This constant chewing is not out of hunger but for survival — it keeps their teeth in check. What helps these rodents survive can create severe problems for the homeowner.
How Rats Damage Electrical Wiring
Probably the most dangerous habit of rats is gnawing on electrical wires. They are attracted by the rubber or plastic insulation of these wires because it provides just the right resistance to their teeth.
Here’s how this becomes a serious problem:
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Short Circuits: When rats chew on insulation, wires are often left exposed, touching other wires or metal parts, creating short circuits.
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Fire Hazards: Damaged electrical wiring can be considered the primary cause of house fires in urban areas. A small spark from an exposed wire may ignite surrounding materials.
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Appliance Damage: Rats normally chew on the wires inside appliances, which usually results in malfunction or complete breakdowns.
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Expensive to Repair: Cables that are damaged in the walls and ceilings can become expensive to replace or rewire.
And many households in Chennai report abrupt power cuts or flickering lights, only to discover later that rats were the ones causing the damage to the wiring.
How Rats Ruin Furniture
Rats are well-known for gnawing on wood, fabric, foam, and leather, with furniture ranking high among their favorite targets.
Common kinds of furniture damages include:
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Wooden Furniture: Rats chew on the wooden legs, edges, and frames for sharpening their teeth. With time, this weakens such structures.
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Upholstered Furniture: Sofas, cushions, and mattresses are ideal places for nesting. Rats tear the fabric to make the bedding soft.
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Places of Storage: Dark and undisturbed, such as cabinets, attics, or storerooms, are the ideal places for them. Before you notice them, these areas turn into nests.
Besides physical damage, rats also present urine stains, droppings, and a bad smell that makes furniture unhygienic for use.
Hidden Damage You May Not Immediately Notice
Rats are much more hazardous since they can cause damage yet remain well hidden. You may not see them; however, signs such as:
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Scratching noises at night
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Burning smell from electrical outlets
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Torn paper or fabric
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Chewed items made of plastic or wood
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Droppings near food storage areas
All these are indicative of an increasing infestation.
By the time you actually see noticeable damage, the infestation could be quite extensive.
Fireworks-Related Hazards Beyond Property Damage
Not only does rat infestation pose a threat to your property, but it will also affect the health of your family. Rats carry bacteria and viruses causing serious diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis.
Damaged wires increase the chances of electrical fires and chewed furniture — unhygienic living conditions. A combination of health hazards and financial loss requires professional help.
How to Prevent Rat Damage at Home
As always, prevention is key. Here are some effective steps:
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Seal Entry Points: Close all the gaps, holes, or cracks in walls, roofs, and under doors.
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Store Food Securely: Using airtight containers will help avoid attracting rodents.
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Declutter Spaces: Remove old boxes, newspapers, and unused furniture that rats can hide in.
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Regularly Inspect Wiring: Check for chew marks, burns, or unusual electrical activity.
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Trim Outdoor Vegetation: Overgrown vegetation and trees give rats easy access to the roof and attic.
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Set Rat Traps and Baits: Place them in strategic places, preferably dark corners or behind appliances.
However, in cases where the bug infestation has already occurred, these remedies may not be enough. That is where professional help ought to take over.
Professional Rat Control in Chennai
At JCS Pest Control, we take the issue of rat infestation and its hidden destruction seriously.
Our Rat Control Chennai services include:
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Non-toxic, eco-friendly treatments that are safe for families and pets.
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Advanced detection equipment to locate nesting sites and points of entry.
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Preventative sealing techniques to avoid re-infestations.
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Follow-up inspections to ensure your home remains totally rat-free.
We do not just get rid of the visible rats but ensure long-term protection from future attacks.
We at Pestocare India offer a whole range of Pest Control Services in Chennai, including Cockroach Pest Control Chennai for kitchens and bathrooms, and Termite Control Chennai to protect your furniture and foundation against silent destruction.
Keep Your Home Safe and Comfortable
Your home is your comfort zone, not chaos. Don’t wait until the rats chew through your wiring or ruin your favorite furniture set.
Early action saves money and peace of mind. JCS Pest Control offers reliable, cost-effective, and family-safe solutions to keep your home healthy, hygienic, and completely pest-free.
