Mouse In Electrical Panel: Caught In Home Inspection

Wondering if you should get a home inspection? Why should you get one and what is it for anyway? At Tri-County Inspections we're regularly making videos of things that often come up in a home inspection.  We know buyers may be tempted to skip the home inspection in order to win a bid. Mike Vakos, owner and lead home inspector of Tri-County Inspections, wants to remind buyers that if you waive the home inspection when making the offer it is still wise to get the home inspection before moving in.

A home inspection will inspect all the components that make up a home and point out where things may be compromising safety, or causing destruction. The Tri-County Inspection YouTube channel will be devoted to sharing these things, so that you know what to expect at a home inspection, and why we recommend having a home inspection done either before you buy, or before you move in.

Call Tri-County Inspections to schedule your home inspection today. Whether you need a home inspection to buy a home with more confidence or a pre-listing inspection to sell your home with more confidence, Tri-County Inspections offers discounts to military, first responders, medical professionals and teachers. Learn more about our discounts and order your home inspection.

As seen in the video, one small mouse can cause substantial damage and bring a hefty bill for repairs. According to Gordon Ivory, a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, "Rats and mice start fires by chewing on electrical wires causing millions of dollars of structure damage each year. It has been estimated that rodents cause up to 20 percent of undetermined fires in the United States each year."

Open knockouts left on an electrical panel leave an invitation for destructive rodents like mice. A home inspector would know to look for this and be able to recommend "knockout bushings" to avoid future problems with mice getting to your electrical wires and chewing them. This is just another example for how important it is to get a home inspection. A home inspection can save you money, especially when they catch SMALL things that when fixed prevent BIG problems.