Squirrels may seem like harmless visitors in your yard, but when they make their way into your home, they can bring serious problems. One of the biggest risks they pose is chewing through electrical wiring. This behaviour isn’t just destructive—it creates a real fire hazard. When wires lose their insulation, live electricity becomes exposed. This can lead to sparks and even fires if nearby materials like insulation or wood catch flame.

If you’re dealing with squirrel damage to your house, acting quickly is essential. Knowing why these animals are drawn to wiring and how to get rid of squirrels safely can help prevent costly repairs and danger to your home. Professional services like our squirrel removal specialize in solutions that protect your property while addressing the issue humanely.

Why Do Squirrels Target Wiring?

First, you may be wondering—why do squirrels gnaw on things like electrical wiring? It’s not something you’d expect pocket-sized animals to do, but their behaviour is driven by two key instincts.

Squirrels are rodents, which means their teeth never stop growing. To keep those teeth at a manageable length, they need to gnaw constantly. It’s no different from sharpening a pencil—they file their sharp incisors by chewing, and unfortunately, the wires in your home become an appealing target.

Another reason lies in the material of the wiring itself. Squirrels look for soft, pliable substances to use in their nests, and the plastic or rubber insulation around wires mimics the texture of bark or twigs. It’s easy for them to mistake it as a natural resource. Add in the fact that wires are often found in protected spaces like walls or attics, and you’ve got an environment that feels safe and suitable to them.

Their persistence with chewing, however, causes serious problems, which leads us to the heart of the issue.

How Squirrel Damage to Wiring Becomes a Fire Hazard

Squirrel chewing might seem like a small nuisance at first glance, but it creates serious dangers for your home. Damaged electrical wires are a leading cause of house fires, and these little animals increase that risk the moment they claw their way in.

Here’s how their activity turns into a fire hazard:

• Exposed Wiring: When they chew through the insulation, wires are left bare. Live electrical currents are no longer shielded, which puts your home at risk.
• Short Circuits: Without insulation, exposed wires may touch one another or surrounding materials, sparking short circuits that generate heat and, in some cases, flames.
• Flammable Materials Nearby: Those sparks have the potential to ignite items commonly found inside walls or attics, such as insulation or wooden beams.
• System Overloads: Wiring that has been damaged might strain the electrical system, causing overloads that heat up even more. The added heat increases fire risks dramatically.

This is why squirrel-related wiring issues need to be taken seriously. If left unchecked, they don’t just disrupt power—they endanger your home.

Could Your Wiring Be Damaged?

You might not always see the damage right away. After all, these problems begin behind walls or in the attic. But certain signs will tell you it’s time to investigate.

1. Strange Noises: Scratching, scampering, or even the subtle chatter of an active squirrel may come from inside walls or above ceilings.
2. Electrical Problems: If you’ve noticed flickering lights, frequent tripped breakers, or power loss in specific outlets or rooms, wiring issues might already be underway.
3. Burning Smell or Smoke: A faint, unexplained burning odour should never be ignored. It could mean exposed wires are heating up or insulation is smouldering.
4. Visible Damage: Chewed wires are an undeniable sign you’ve had an unwanted visitor. If you inspect entry points or electrical panels and find frayed materials, action is needed.

The earlier you spot these signs, the better. Quick intervention can help minimize further destruction and reduce fire risks.

The Wider Impact of Damaged Wiring

When squirrels start chewing on wiring, the issues don’t stop with the fire risk. These small animals can leave behind plenty of other headaches for homeowners. One of the biggest problems is the cost of repairs. Think about it—damaged wiring often means ripping into walls to access the affected areas, which isn’t a simple job. Between the cost of labour and materials, fixing the damage can put a serious dent in your wallet.

There’s also the ongoing danger of leaving the problem unresolved. Damaged wires don’t just stop posing a fire threat on their own. The longer exposed or frayed wiring sits untreated, the more likely it is to cause sparks, overheating, and, ultimately, a fire. It’s a risk no homeowner should take lightly.

And here’s something else to consider—where there’s one squirrel, there may soon be more pests. Gaps or holes made by these animals can act like open invitations to other wildlife. It’s not uncommon for birds, mice, or even insects to take advantage of the opening, making the situation much harder to manage. What starts as one problem can quickly spiral into a much bigger one.

How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels

Prevention is always the best strategy when it comes to dealing with squirrel problems. Stopping them from getting in or causing damage in the first place can save you the stress and expense of repairs later on. One of the most important steps you can take is sealing off any gaps or holes in your home’s exterior. Even the smallest entry points can give animals access, so it’s worth using strong, durable materials to close these off properly.

Another smart move is pruning tree branches that hang over your roof. These natural bridges make it easy for squirrels to climb onto your home, so cutting them back can make a big difference. Inside the house, you can reinforce any exposed or vulnerable wiring—especially in spaces like your attic—to prevent chewing. Adding protective coverings creates a barrier that squirrels can’t easily break through.

If animals have already made their way inside, installing humane one-way doors is a kind and effective solution. These devices allow them to leave but block their ability to come back, making it a safe way to move them out.

While tackling these measures yourself can reduce risks, it’s also important to know when the situation calls for professional help. If things have escalated, a team of experts can ensure your home is safe, secure, and well-protected against future intrusions. Taking preventive steps now can save you headaches—and big expenses—down the road.

Why Professional Help is Key

Handling infestations or repairing damage on your own can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to wiring, where mistakes can be dangerous. That’s where a trained, experienced team like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control comes in.

We have the expertise to locate entry points, assess the level of damage, and create a plan tailored to your home’s needs. Our humane one-way door system ensures squirrels can leave safely and that they won’t return. We also provide advice and solutions to prevent future problems, giving you lasting peace of mind.

Don’t Wait—Act Today

The longer you wait to address wiring damage, the greater the potential for disaster. If you’re worried your home has been affected, don’t delay. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help with compassionate, effective solutions that protect both your home and the animals who share our surroundings.

We’ll work with you to not only figure out how to get rid of squirrels but also make sure your home stays safe from further damage. It’s about protecting what matters most—your family and your peace of mind.

Reach out today and take the first step toward safeguarding your home. Together, we’ll make sure it’s safe, sound, and squirrel-free.