How Rodents are Damaging Your Burbank Property: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

The truth is, rodent damage in Burbank homes can cost thousands in repairs if left unchecked. From chewing through electrical wiring to contaminating insulation, rodents can wreak havoc on your property’s structure and your wallet.

In this guide, we’ll break down the ways rodents damage your home, the financial risks involved, and the early warning signs you should never ignore.

Quick-Answer Box (FAQ)

• How do I know I have rats or mice?

  
  

  • Look for gnaw marks, droppings, greasy rub marks along walls, and scratching noises in walls or ceilings.

• Can rodents really cause fires?

  
  

  • Yes. Rodents chew on electrical wiring, increasing the risk of short circuits and house fires (CDC, 2025).

  
  

• Is your bait safe for pets?

  
  

  • At Termike Pest Control, we use pet-safe baiting and exclusion methods approved by the California DPR.

  
  

• How quickly can a rodent infestation get out of control?

  
  

  • A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in a matter of months.

  
  

• What’s the best way to stop rodent damage?

  
  

  • Schedule a free inspection and install exclusion barriers before damage escalates. Call (888) 683-3592.

  
  

1. Structural Chewing: The Hidden Threat

Rodents have continuously growing teeth, which means they chew constantly—on wood beams, PVC pipes, and even steel mesh. This habit can weaken structural supports over time.

• Foundation Damage – Gnawing on wooden beams compromises load-bearing capacity (University of California IPM Notes).

• Plumbing Damage – PVC pipes are a frequent target, leading to hidden leaks and water damage.

Entity Relationship: Roof rat → attic insulation damage → damaged-wood repair.

2. Electrical Hazards

You might be surprised to learn that rodent damage in Burbank is a common cause of residential electrical fires. According to the CDC, rodent gnawing is responsible for numerous home fire incidents each year.

Why it’s dangerous: When insulation on wiring is chewed away, it exposes live wires, which can spark and ignite flammable materials.

3. Insulation Contamination

Rodents often burrow into attic and wall insulation, creating nesting areas and contaminating the material with urine and droppings. This not only reduces insulation efficiency but can spread Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)—which has a 38% fatality rate (CDC, 2025).

4. Financial Impact of Rodent Damage

Ignoring rodent damage can cost homeowners in Burbank anywhere from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to over $10,000 for major reconstruction. This includes:

• Replacing insulation

• Rewiring electrical systems

• Repairing foundation and framing damage

Tip: The earlier you detect and address rodent activity, the lower your repair costs will be.

5. How to Spot Rodent Activity Early

Here’s what to watch for:

1. Gnaw Marks – Found on wood, wires, and baseboards.

   
   

2. Droppings – Small, dark pellets near food storage or nesting sites.

   
   

3. Strange Odors – Musty smells from hidden nests or droppings.

   
   

4. Scratching Noises – Especially at night in walls or ceilings.

   
   

5. Grease Marks – Oily smudges along runways or wall edges.

   
   

Why You Can Trust Termike

• Branch-2/3 license numbers

• NPMA membership

• 25 years serving Orange County and surrounding areas

• Eco-friendly and California DPR-approved methods

Our Rodent Inspection Process

1. Free Inspection – Book online here.

   
   

2. FLIR Thermal Scan – Detect hidden nests.

   
   

3. UV Tracking Dust – Identify entry and travel points.

   
   

4. Entry-Point Audit – Seal openings with rodent-proof materials.

   
   

5. Custom Prevention Plan – Including bait stations and eco-friendly repellents.

   
   

Don’t let rodent damage in Burbank drain your wallet. Call Termike Pest Control today at (888) 683-3592 or book your free inspection online. We’ll protect your home before the damage gets worse.