What kind of damage do rats commonly cause?

Rats are notorious for their gnawing behavior, which primarily leads to damage to utility wires and structures. Their constantly growing incisors require them to gnaw on various materials to keep their teeth at a manageable length. This behavior presents significant risks, particularly when it involves electrical wires, as it can cause electrical shorts, fires, or outages. Additionally, gnawing on structural elements can weaken infrastructure and lead to more extensive damage over time.

While rats do engage in other damaging behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or eating stored food, the specific threat they pose to safety and property through gnawing on utility lines is particularly concerning because it can have severe consequences for both the affected areas and the safety of inhabitants. Breaking windows is not a common activity for rats, making it an unlikely thing for them to cause damage.