How Rodents Can Cause Fires in Your Hampton Roads Home

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They may be small, but rodents can create big problems inside your home. Once they sneak indoors, they don’t just chew through food packages—they can gnaw on wires, pipes, insulation, and just about anything else in their path. The result? Costly damage, potential flooding, weakened structures, and yes, even house fires.

With October being Fire Prevention Month, Getem Services wants to highlight a hidden hazard many homeowners overlook: mice and rats are a leading cause of home fires. Here’s what every Hampton Roads homeowner should know to keep their family and property safe.

How Rodents Cause Fires

It seems wild to think of a little rodent burning your house down, but that’s exactly what can happen if mice or rats get inside. These pests have teeth that never stop growing, so they’re constantly chewing on things to wear them down. As they do this, they cause a lot of damage.

Two objects that mice and rats commonly chew on are electrical wires and gas lines. It’s not difficult to imagine how either of these things getting damaged immediately puts houses at risk of catching fire. Wires that short-circuit can start a fire in the walls. Leaking gas lines only need the slightest spark to set a house ablaze.

The Alarming Statistic Behind Rodent-Caused Fires

Most house fires are caused by cooking accidents or clothes dryers that catch on fire. Are rodent-caused fires really that prevalent? Believe it or not, of all the fires that start due to unknown causes, experts estimate rodents cause 20-25% of those.

What You Can Do to Keep Rodents Out

Learning that rodents are behind so many house fires is a wake-up call. The best way to protect your Hampton Roads home isn’t just putting out fires; it’s stopping rodents from ever getting inside. The challenge? Most houses have more weak spots than homeowners realize, and rodents are experts at finding them.

The good news is, a few smart steps can go a long way toward making your home a far less welcoming place for these critters. You can avoid major headaches (and risks) later with a bit of prevention now. Here are Getem Services’ top tips to keep rodents out:

Eliminate outdoor food sources that draw rodents in.
Implement a moisture control solution if you have a damp crawl space.
Reduce standing water and fix moisture issues around your property.
Remove or relocate rodent hideouts, like stacked firewood or rock piles.
Trim branches, shrubs, and foliage that touch your home.
Store outdoor trash bins at least 20 feet from your house with secure, tight lids.
Seal holes, gaps, and cracks in siding, foundations, windows, and doors.
Install weatherstripping, door sweeps, and screens.
Keep your kitchen consistently clean.
Store pantry items in airtight containers.
Wash dishes and wipe counters promptly after meals.
Take out trash regularly.
Clear away clutter, especially in little-used storage spaces.
Cover vents with wire mesh and cap your chimney.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Even the most careful homeowners can sometimes miss rodents sneaking into their homes. That’s why it’s important to recognize the early warning signs; catching an infestation quickly can save your home from serious damage. Watch for these common indicators:

Spotting live or dead rodents inside your home.
Finding droppings in cabinets, drawers, or along baseboards.
Hearing squeaks, scratching, or scurrying in walls, ceilings, or attics—especially at night.
Noticing greasy rub marks along walls or baseboards where rodents travel regularly.
Discovering nesting materials tucked under appliances, behind furniture, or in other hidden spots.
Observing unusual behavior from pets, like staring at walls, pawing at doors, or acting agitated in specific areas.

What to Do if Rodents Get Inside Your House

Finding signs of rodents in your home can be stressful, but don’t panic, ignore them, or rush to buy mouse traps. Panicking can lead to poor decisions, ignoring the problem lets it grow, and DIY methods often only tackle part of the issue, leaving the infestation intact.

The smartest move? Call Getem Services. Serving Norfolk, Chesapeake, and communities across Hampton Roads for over 100 years, you can rely on our experience and know-how. We focus on solutions that work, getting straight to the root of the issue.

Our comprehensive rodent control includes:

A thorough rodent inspection
Interior rodent trapping
Exterior rodent bait stations
Rodent exclusion to block re-entry

We also provide three follow-up visits to remove rodents, with support available between visits if needed.

For ongoing peace of mind, Hampton Roads homeowners can sign up for year-round protection through our quarterly home pest control services. Whatever approach you choose, Getem Services will safeguard your home from rodents!