10 Ways to Stop Squirrels Chewing on Your Home

At Alpha Wildlife, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with squirrels chewing on your home. These little creatures might look cute, but their constant gnawing can cause some serious problems. If you’ve ever wondered why squirrels chew on everything and how to protect your house, we’re here to help. Let’s explore why squirrels act this way and what you can do to keep them from causing damage.

Why Do Squirrels Chew?

Squirrels have a natural need to chew, and it all comes down to their teeth. Unlike our teeth, a squirrel’s teeth never stop growing. To keep their teeth from getting too long, squirrels have to chew on things all the time. It’s a bit like how we trim our nails.

Besides keeping their teeth in check, squirrels chew to get to their food. They’ll gnaw through tough shells or even parts of your house to find something to eat. Unfortunately, that means your home might become their next target.

Common Areas of Damage in Your Home

At Alpha Wildlife, we’ve seen how squirrels can damage different parts of a home. Here are some of the most common spots squirrels chewing can become an issue:

1. Wires and Cables: Squirrels love to chew on electrical wires, and this can be really dangerous. Chewing on wires can mess up your electrical system and even cause fires. Squirrels might chew on wires because they think they’re like the roots or branches they’d find in the wild.
2. Wooden Structures: Squirrels also like to chew on wood, including the siding, decks, and window frames of your home. They might do this to keep their teeth sharp or to make a hole to get inside your attic or walls.
3. Attics and Roofs: Squirrels often target attics and roofs because they’re looking for a warm, safe place to build a nest. They can chew through shingles, vents, and other parts of your roof to get inside. Once they’re in, they can cause even more damage by chewing on insulation and wooden beams.
4. Pipes and Plumbing: While it’s less common, some squirrels will chew on plastic pipes. This can cause leaks and water damage, which can be expensive to fix.

How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels

Protecting your home from squirrel damage doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some easy steps you can take:

1. Seal Entry Points: First, check your home for any gaps or holes where squirrels could get in. Look around the roof, vents, and foundation. Seal these openings with materials like metal mesh, which squirrels can’t chew through.
2. Install Chimney Caps: Chimneys are a common way for squirrels to get inside, especially in the winter. A chimney cap with a wire mesh can keep squirrels out while still letting smoke escape. This is a simple fix that can prevent a lot of problems.
3. Trim Trees and Branches: Squirrels often use tree branches to jump onto your roof. If you keep tree branches trimmed back from your house, it’ll be harder for squirrels to get to your roof. It also makes your home less attractive to them by removing their easy access.
4. Protect Wires and Cables: Cover exposed wires and cables with protective tubing to keep squirrels from chewing on them. If you can, run wires underground or through walls where squirrels can’t reach them.
5. Use Squirrel Deterrents: There are plenty of products out there to keep squirrels away. You can use sprays made from hot pepper or garlic around your home’s exterior. Electronic devices that make high-pitched sounds can also help, as they irritate squirrels but are usually too high-pitched for people to hear.
6. Install Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders, make sure they’re squirrel-proof. These feeders close off access when a squirrel tries to get the food. You can also put feeders on poles with baffles that stop squirrels from climbing up.
7. Secure Trash Bins and Compost Piles: Squirrels are always looking for food, so be sure your trash bins have tight lids. If you compost, use an enclosed bin to keep squirrels from digging through it.
8. Create a Physical Barrier: If squirrels keep targeting certain areas, you might need to put up a physical barrier. Metal flashing can cover spots like the edges of your roof to keep squirrels from chewing through.
9. Call Professional Wildlife Control: If you’re still having trouble, it might be time to call in the experts. At Alpha Wildlife, we specialize in getting squirrels out of your home safely and keeping them from coming back. We can help you figure out where they’re getting in and what you need to do to stop them.
10. Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Finally, it’s a good idea to check your home regularly for signs of squirrel damage, especially after storms. Keeping your home in good shape can prevent not just squirrel problems, but other issues too.

Tired Of Squirrels Chewing Your Home?

At Alpha Wildlife, our mission is to help you keep your home safe from squirrels. By understanding their behavior and taking steps to protect your house, you can avoid the damage they cause. If you’re dealing with squirrels or just want advice on how to prevent them from getting in, we’re here to help.