What's Wrong With This Picture? Small, Moving Animals In Tight Fitting Places

Answer: Missing Outlet Cover

Initial thoughts of the inspector upon encountering this situation: "Crossing the hot and neutral might keep you warm, and you’ll never have to count sheep again! Poor little fella."

What we have here is a small mouse attempting to emerge from the uncovered outlet.  Unfortunately, he never made it out.

This is much more common than you would think. Frequently, home inspections reveal one or two outlets missing cover plates. An average sized mouse has no problem accessing the interior of the outlet or junction box. The result is almost always instant death.

Without exception, keep your outlets, switch plates, and junction boxes covered!  All of them.

Thanks to Jerry Blodgett of our Southern California Inspection Team for this submission.