Arizona Residents Learn that Rodents Cause up to 25% of All Fires Attributed to Unknown Causes

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