An unoccupied two-story home in the Hudson Valley was damaged by a Monday morning fire that was caused by a rodent problem. Fire chief, explained the fire was caused by a rodent problem as a result of which electrical wires had been chewed.

It has been estimated that rodents cause up to 20 percent of undetermined fires in the United States each year. Why is that?

• Mice and rats chew constantly because their teeth are always growing. They will chew through soft concrete, aluminum, wallboards, and plastic pipes.
• Field mice move undercover in the winter months and prefer to live near the warmth of electrical components.
• Rodent nests located next to a furnace, can be ignited by the hot surface.

At the first signs of rodents, from rodent feces, sounds of scurrying in the wall or observe other signs contact a licensed pest professional.