Almost everywhere across Arizona where people have settled, rats and mice
can also be found. These rodents often try to live in and around people’s
homes, schools and businesses as they seek shelter and food. While many people
find their presence unsettling, they can also cause extensive property damage
and even health concerns for building occupants.
In addition to chewing through wood, insulation and many other materials,
rodents are known to gnaw on electrical wires and gas lines. This could result
in a dangerous and costly fire. In fact, according to the Illinois Department
of Public Health, “It is estimated that 25 percent of all fires attributed to
‘unknown causes’ are probably started by rodents gnawing on gas lines,
electrical wiring and matches.” Rodents are also known to chew through water
and drain pipes which could result in flooding and water damage as well as
sewage contamination.
Rodents in people’s homes and buildings can also cause allergies and
trigger an asthma attack in some people. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reports that rats and mice can spread over 35 diseases. These
diseases can be spread to humans directly, through handling of rodents, through
contact with rodent feces, urine and saliva or through rodent bites. Diseases
carried by rodents can also be spread to humans indirectly, through ticks,
mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.
“While most homeowners and commercial property insurance policies exclude
coverage for gradual damage caused by pests such as rodents, most policies will
cover sudden and unexpected damage,” said Tom Allen
from Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters, LLC. “Examples of unexpected damage that
would be included in many circumstances include fires and flooding events
caused by rodents.”
Arizona
residents who face property damage due to fires and water damage can turn to
the experts at Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters. Their building science and
insurance claims experts work exclusively for policyholders to ensure that
insured damages are comprehensively settled so that all of the repairs
necessary to bring a residential or commercial property back to its original
condition can be completed. Hudson
Douglas Public Adjusters also recently sponsored an educational video about
rodent infestations, property damage and indoor environmental concerns that can
be seen at: https://youtu.be/0oiH1jj8ELU
