smoke around fire alarm

How Rodents Start Fires

Rodents don’t mean to cause trouble, they just have to chew. A mouse’s front teeth never stop growing, so they constantly gnaw on hard materials to keep them trimmed. When they move inside, your electrical wiring becomes their favorite chew toy.

Once the wire’s insulation is stripped away, it can spark against wood framing, insulation, or other flammable materials hidden behind your walls. Combine that with Arizona’s dry climate, and you’ve got the perfect storm for a house fire.

Rodents can also:

  • Block vents or ducts, causing your HVAC system to overheat.

  • Damage gas lines, potentially leading to leaks.

  • Nest behind appliances, where their shredded paper and fabric nests can ignite from heat buildup.

How Common Are Rodent-Caused Fires?

While exact numbers are hard to pinpoint, experts estimate that rodents are responsible for up to 25% of all structural fires with unknown causes. That’s not a small number and it’s one of the many reasons fire departments, electricians, and pest control experts take rodent activity seriously.

Even if your home never experiences a fire, damage from chewed wires, insulation, and pipes can still be costly and dangerous.

Other Reasons to Keep Mice and Rats Out

Fire hazards aren’t the only concern linked with mice and rats. Once these pests get inside, they can cause other problems, including the following:

  • Property damage: Beyond wiring, they’ll chew insulation, wood framing, and even stored belongings.

  • Health risks: Rodents spread diseases like hantavirus, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. Their droppings and urine contaminate food prep surfaces.

  • Parasites: Mice and rats carry fleas, mites, and ticks; tiny pests that can quickly spread to people and pets.

Warning Signs of Rodents in Your Home

Catching a glimpse of a mouse is one thing but most homeowners notice the evidence before they see the animal itself. Look for these signs that you may have a mouse or rat infestation:

  • Small droppings in pantries, garages, or cabinets

  • A musty or ammonia-like odor

  • Gnaw marks on wires, furniture, or food packaging

  • Squeaking or scratching behind walls or ceilings

  • Greasy marks or rub trails along baseboards

  • Flickering lights or appliances acting up

If you notice even one or two of these clues, it’s best not to wait. A minor rodent issue can turn into a full-blown infestation faster than you think.

How to Prevent Rodent-Related Fire Hazards

The best way to prevent a fire hazard is to keep rodents out in the first place. A few simple home maintenance tasks go a long way toward staying mouse-free:

  • Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around your foundation and roofline.

  • Cover vents and cap chimneys.

  • Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from the house.

  • Store garbage bins and firewood several feet away from walls.

  • Keep all food (including pet food) in airtight containers.

  • Declutter garages, attics, and storage areas.

  • If you suspect wiring damage, call a licensed electrician immediately.

When to Call Northwest Exterminating

If you’ve seen droppings, heard scratching behind the walls, or noticed flickering lights that seem suspicious, it’s time to bring in a professional.

Northwest Exterminating has over 30 years of experience providing rodent control in Tucson and Phoenix. Our team understands how local conditions, like heat, drought, and seasonal changes, drive mice and rats indoors. We use proven, customized solutions to trap, remove, and prevent rodents.

Protect your family and your home from the risk of fire and damage by contacting Northwest Exterminating today to schedule your rodent inspection.