June 18, 2025
Rodents and Insects in Your Generator
When you think about what can go wrong with your home generator, you probably consider mechanical failure, fuel issues, or storm-related damage. But one of the most overlooked problems we see is much smaller and much sneakier. Rodents and insects love your generator.
It’s warm. It’s sheltered. And if your generator hasn’t run in a while, it’s a perfect place for nesting. Mice, squirrels, ants, and even wasps often find their way inside, creating a mess that can lead to repairs or even failure of your backup power system.
Why This Happens
Think of your generator as essentially a small house with walls, wiring, and often some leftover heat from a previous run. Rodents squeeze into tight spaces looking for warmth and nesting material, and insects like ants and wasps are drawn to the electrical components, especially if there’s moisture or food particles nearby.
What You Can Do
At Esposito’s Electric, we recommend a few simple strategies to protect your generator year-round:
- Schedule regular maintenance. A professional inspection will catch signs of nesting or damage before it becomes a major issue.
- Keep the area clean. Avoid storing bird seed, garbage, or pet food near your generator.
- Install rodent screens. These fine mesh screens keep pests from entering vents and exhausts.
- Run your generator regularly. Just like a car, regular use keeps it in good condition and less inviting to pests.
Protect Your Power and Your Investment
Whether your generator is brand new or has been sitting idle for a few seasons, it’s worth checking out. Preventing pests now can save you time, money, and a hassle when the power goes out.
Need a generator inspection or service in Denville, NJ or nearby?
Esposito’s Electric has been helping homeowners stay safe and powered up for decades. We provide comprehensive, turn-key solutions for all your generator needs—from sales and installation to maintenance, service, warranty support, and remote monitoring. Our experienced sales and administrative team simplifies the installation process, while our 12 factory-trained technicians are always available to keep your generator running reliably. Give us a call today to schedule a checkup or learn about pest-proofing solutions for your home generator.