Critter Guard Blog

Substation fires can be among the most intimidating destructive forces, and there are a number of ways they can get started, depending on the equipment used. The fires are commonly caused by hazards such as a mechanical failure combined with a combustible source, water getting into the system, or even an insulation failure. Many times, squirrels, rodents, raccoons, and other critters are culprits in damage, when they climb into substation plants via unprotected electrical lines and utility poles. These fires are exceptionally dangerous because of their potential for explosions, due in part to leaking oil that causes hazardous smoke. There can also be loose wires that aren't insulated, which could cause shock or electrocution. So, what actions should someone take should they encounter a substation fire?

There are many reasons why you might experience a power outage in the winter, from heavily iced lines to frantic squirrels and rodents running about looking to stay warm. Either way, you must know what to do and be prepared to handle a power failure! An outage any time of the year isn't nearly as dangerous as it is during the winter. While you might experience the loss of some refrigerated or frozen foods any other time of year, the wintertime presents you with another problem: staying warm.

While many power lines now sit below ground, those above still pose significant risks. Not only are power lines susceptible to critters, like squirrels, causing outages that leave you powerless, but they are also dangerous. While Critter Guard systems can prevent power outages that impact your home or business, awareness and caution will help you avoid the dangers of power lines.

We've all had one of those days: you're at home, relaxing, when something with your power goes wrong. Maybe you were reading a book on the couch, or in the kitchen prepping for the big game, but as soon as the lights go off, you feel your whole day is in peril. It could have been caused by a curious squirrel, who damaged, tripped up, and interrupted your power supply. What do you do? You grab your flashlight and go to flip your circuit breaker. But before you do that, there are a few other things you should consider for your safety and to protect your electronic devices and appliances.

Smartphones are more powerful than ever, and they can be used in many situations, even when power fails due to critter-damaged electrical lines and equipment. Why not use your phone to ensure your safety during an outage? Here are a few kinds of apps to help you and your family manage in the dark.

Homeowners install home generators for a variety of reasons. Often, they want protection for critical appliances to continue running when their power goes out, like during a storm or when squirrels and critters have damaged electrical equipment. For example, a generator ensures sump pumps work, avoiding flood damage. Moreover, just keeping the lights on will keep everyone calm and provide peace of mind. However, all this requires your generator to be in working order at all times, so it's ready when you least expect and need it, in case an unprotected electrical wire goes down. You need to routinely check and maintain your generator, in case it needs repair.

When the Power Fails

Blackouts are an unpredictable and unfortunate event in modern existence. Whether it lasts for three minutes or three days, a power outage is a great inconvenience at the very least, if not a major ordeal. Many failures are completely preventable though. That's why Critter Guard is committed to stopping these events before they even occur by preventing the surprisingly-more-frequent failures due to squirrels, rodents, and other critters from damaging electric lines and utility poles.

When the power goes out, the risk of fire goes up unless you know for sure that your own building's electrical lines and connections are not causing the outage. A power outage in a room or building caused by a shorted-out or broken wire may leave a dangerous, live wire connected to the power source. These are frequently caused by squirrels and other rodents that have chewed up and damaged wires by accessing them from unprotected utility lines and poles.

With their bushy tails and cute, furry faces, you may not think of squirrels as annoying pests. Unfortunately, when it comes to your roof, squirrels and other rodents can cause hundreds and even thousands of dollars of damage, if given the chance and if they find access to your home. Our protective systems are an affordable, ingenious way to keep critters off utility and electric poles and lines to keep your home safe.

Portable backup generators are a great way to access power in the event of an outage, like when squirrels and rodents damage essential electrical equipment and disrupt power systems of your home, office, or substation. Unfortunately, generators produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is life-threatening. Make sure you understand your generator and how to operate it safely and properly to avoid the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Did you know that Lyme disease may be hiding in your home on the backs of squirrels, mice, and rodents? Ticks that carry this debilitating and complex disease can live and feed on animals. Deer and larger animals are often blamed for carrying Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, but squirrels and other critters live in and around tick-infested forests too and are also prime carriers. The rodents host ticks, fleas, and mites with many types of bacteria and germs that cause different diseases and infections in small and large mammals, including humans.

Most people do not encourage squirrels to nest or live in their home, and for good reason. Squirrels are wild animals that thrive in the wilderness, not in the eaves of an attic. When confronted by humans in an unnatural environment, squirrels will panic and sometimes attack if they feel threatened. Some people aren’t too concerned about an animal smaller than a football attacking, but you may want to reconsider. Squirrels can be more dangerous than you think.

It can be hard not to smile when watching squirrels chase each other around the yard or park. It can be fun to enjoy their frenetic energy, following their constantly twitching tails as they scurry about a tree trunk or frantically search for acorns in the spring. Many people have pondered whether to care for them and keep as a pet, bringing a few squirrels into their home. The resounding advice from those who have done so is to not make their same mistakes. Despite squirrels’ cute and cuddly appearance from afar, the realities of bringing a wild animal into your home are far from charming. Finding them unexpectedly inside your home without Critter Guard’s utility line and pole guards to deter them can also be an unpleasant surprise. Squirrels’ nature and demeanor can wreak havoc in your home, so keep them out!