EN3RGY SOLUTIONS
Declare War on Vermin: Protect Your Home from "Spring Fever" Damage
If you haven’t experienced it yet, you are one of the lucky ones. At this time of year, Sharpe Trade Services sees a significant spike in callouts to fix electrical issues caused by vermin. As the weather warms up, birds, rats, and possums start looking for “spring breeding” sites, and your quiet, insulated roof space is their top choice.
Make no mistake: these unwanted tenants can cost you big-time if you don’t evict them immediately. Our trusted and experienced in-house technicians have recently repaired extensive cabling and switchboard damage caused by nesting animals. From lifting cladding to crawling into the deepest corners of Adelaide roof spaces, we do whatever it takes to find and fix the damage.
The Destructive Power of “Unwelcome Guests”
Vermin don’t just “live” in your roof; they actively dismantle it.
- Possum Problems: Possums are expert break-in artists. They can chew through wooden beams and bearers to gain access. Once inside, those same sharp teeth make quick work of electrical cabling.
- The Attraction to Plastic: Rats and birds seem strangely attracted to the plastic insulation on electrical wiring. They strip the protective coating, leaving live copper wires exposed.
- Fire Hazards: When vermin settle in, they drag in leaves, sticks, and tear up your insulation to create nests. This creates a high-risk “tinder box” right next to damaged, sparking wires.
- Health Risks: Beyond the fire risk, the daily pollution from droppings and urine creates significant health issues for your family and can corrode metal electrical components.
Spotting the “Silent” Symptoms
Wiring damage isn’t always obvious, especially in older homes that rely on basic circuit breakers rather than modern RCD protection. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Flickering Lights: A sign that a connection is loose or a wire has been partially chewed through.
- Dead Power Points: If a socket suddenly stops working, a “critter” may have severed the line.
- Unusual Noises: Scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds in your walls or roof are your first warning.
- Burning Smells: If you smell something “fishy” or like burning plastic, it could be an electrical arc caused by damaged insulation.
The Sharpe Safety Check
Since 1970, we have been serving generations of the same household families across Adelaide. We have all trades under one roof—electrical, plumbing, and gas—meaning we can handle any issue these pests cause.
- 10-Year Job Warranty: We stand by every repair we make.
- Certificate of Compliance: Every electrical fix is legally certified for your peace of mind and insurance.
- Clear Upfront Quotations: You’ll know the cost of the “eviction” and repair before we start.
FAQ
Generally, rats and mice create lighter scratching and “pattering” sounds, often at night. Possums are much heavier and their movement often sounds like a loud “thumping” or heavy walking across your ceiling. Both are equally capable of destroying your wiring.
Rodents’ teeth never stop growing, so they have a biological need to gnaw on hard or resistive surfaces to keep them filed down. For some reason, the texture of electrical insulation is highly appealing to them.
Yes. If you suspect an electrical fault or a fire hazard, we aim to be at your door within 3 hours during our Monday to Friday business hours. We do not operate on weekends or public holidays.
We offer flexible payment options through our partners Brighte, Humm, and Handypay, so you can make your home safe immediately and pay over time.
