Do Pests Damage Holiday Lights or Wiring During Winter Storage?

 

Yes, pests such as rodents (like mice and rats), insects (including ants and silverfish), and even some small mammals can damage holiday lights and their wiring during winter storage. They are attracted to storage spaces like attics, basements, sheds, and garages because these places are undisturbed, dark, and often have materials that can be used for nesting.

 

Why Do Pests Chew on Holiday Lights and Wiring?

 

Rodents and some insects have a natural need to chew. Mice and rats, for example, are known for gnawing because their teeth grow continuously—they need to wear them down. Electrical wiring, especially the plastic insulation around it, is soft enough for them and often resembles the texture of plant stems or roots. Sometimes, holiday lights come with coatings or grease that attract animals, and the wires themselves might be mistaken for food or nesting material.

 

Signs That Pests Have Damaged Your Stored Lights

 

• Visible bite or chew marks on wires and cables
• Frayed or split insulation on the cords
• Holiday light sets that don’t work or only partially light up
• Presence of droppings, shredded paper, or nesting material in storage areas
• Pieces of wires or bulbs scattered around storage containers

 

Common Pests That Cause the Most Damage

 

• Rodents (Mice, Rats, Squirrels): These are the most common culprits. They chew through plastic, rubber, and even thin metal to sharpen their teeth and build nests.
• Insects (Carpenter Ants, Silverfish): While less common, these can also nibble at wire coatings, especially if the insulation is made of bio-based materials or is dirty/greasy.
• Other Small Mammals: In rural areas, chipmunks or even raccoons can invade storage sheds and cause damage to decorations and wiring.

 

How to Prevent Pests from Damaging Stored Holiday Lights

 

• Store lights in sealed, hard plastic containers: Cardboard boxes are easily chewed, while thick, lidded plastic bins are much harder for rodents to penetrate.
• Clean the lights before storage: Wipe off grease, food residue, or anything with an odor that might attract pests.
• Store off the ground: Place bins on shelves or hang lights if possible, as pests are less likely to find and reach them.
• Use pest deterrents: Place natural deterrents like cedar blocks, peppermint oil sachets, or commercial rodent repellents in or around storage bins.
• Regularly check your storage area: Inspect for signs of pest activity like droppings or gnawed surfaces and address any issues immediately.
• Seal gaps and holes in storage areas: Close up any spaces in sheds, basements, or garages where pests might enter.

 

What to Do If You Find Damage

 

If you discover chewed or damaged wiring, do not use the lights. Exposed or frayed wires can cause electrical shorts or even fires. Safely dispose of any damaged lights, and thoroughly check the rest of your decorations for further signs of pests. Clean and disinfect the storage area, and consider using sturdier storage options and repellents next time.