Rodent Damage Repair: What Mice and Rats Destroy and How to Fix It

Rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth worn down, and they are not picky about what they chew. By the time most people find the problem, there is often damage to wiring, insulation, ducts or stored belongings. Here is what rodents typically damage, how each kind of damage is repaired, and the order to do it in.

Fix the cause before the damage

The most common mistake is repairing damage while rodents can still get in. New insulation or patched drywall just gets damaged again. The right order is:

1. Remove the rodents that are already inside.
2. Seal the entry points so no new ones can get in. See rodent exclusion.
3. Clean up droppings, urine and nests safely.
4. Repair the damage.

Common rodent damage and how it is repaired

Electrical wiring

Chewed wire insulation can expose conductors and create a fire risk. Don’t just wrap it with tape. Have a licensed electrician inspect and repair any wiring rodents have reached, especially in attics and walls.

Insulation

Rodents tunnel through insulation, flatten it and soak it with urine. Soiled insulation holds odor and insulates less well. Lightly affected areas can sometimes be cleaned, but heavily contaminated insulation needs to be removed and replaced. Our attic cleanup service handles removal, disinfection and replacement.

Ductwork

Flexible ducts in attics and crawl spaces are easy to chew through, which wastes heating and cooling and can pull dust from contaminated areas into the air system. An HVAC technician can inspect and repair or replace damaged ducts.

Drywall, baseboards and trim

Small holes in drywall and chewed baseboards are straightforward patches. Make sure the entry point behind them is sealed first.

Wood and door frames

Gnawed door corners and siding edges are common entry points. Repair the wood, then cover the edges with metal flashing or kick plates so rodents can’t chew through again.

Plumbing and irrigation

Rodents chew plastic pipes, drip irrigation lines and hoses, especially in dry weather. Repair the lines and protect exposed sections where rodents travel.

Vehicles

Pack rats in particular chew wiring and hoses in engine bays. Have a mechanic check any chewed wiring before you drive. Our guide to pack rats in your engine bay covers prevention.

Stored belongings and food

Throw away any food rodents have reached. Hard items can be cleaned and disinfected. Paper, fabric and cardboard with droppings or urine are usually best discarded.

Does homeowners insurance cover rodent damage?

Often not. Many homeowners policies exclude damage caused by rodents or vermin, although some may cover resulting damage such as a fire. Coverage varies, so check your policy and talk to your agent. Photos and a written report of what was found help if you do file a claim.

How to prevent it from happening again

• Seal gaps larger than about a quarter inch around pipes, vents, doors and the foundation
• Trim branches away from the roof
• Keep firewood and stored items away from walls
• Store food, pet food and bird seed in sealed containers
• Check attics, garages and crawl spaces a few times a year

Where we can help

We handle rodent removal, exclusion, cleanup and insulation replacement. For wiring, ducts or vehicles, we show you what we found so the right trade can repair it. It starts with a free rodent inspection. If you are still trying to work out what you have, see our rodent infestation signs guide.