You might be surprised to learn that squirrels chewing home siding is a thing—and yes, it’s a problem more common than you’d think. 

These small but persistent animals have strong teeth designed for gnawing, making them a risk to homes in areas like Peachtree Corners and many others. From wood to vinyl, and even aluminum in some cases, squirrels can cause significant damage. 

If left unchecked, this damage can lead to expensive repairs and invite even more issues, such as water leaks or additional wildlife intrusions. 

But don’t worry—we’ll help you untangle why squirrels chew, how to prevent squirrel damage, and what steps you can take to squirrel-proof your home siding. 

This blog will also explore how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Peachtree Corners can safely and effectively handle this issue.

Why Do Squirrels Chew Home Siding?

Squirrels are notorious for chewing, and your home siding isn’t off-limits. But why do they do it? Here are some common reasons:

Nesting Needs

Squirrels, especially females, chew on siding to create an entry point into attics or wall spaces. They are looking for a warm, safe place to raise their babies, away from predators and harsh weather. During breeding seasons in spring and late summer, this behavior becomes even more common as they prepare to care for their young. Once a squirrel finds your siding to be an easy target, they’ll keep gnawing until they’ve made a hole big enough to squeeze through. This can quickly turn into a major problem if they gain access to your attic or walls.

Dental Health

Squirrels’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, which means they need to gnaw on hard surfaces to keep them from getting too long. If their teeth grow too much, it can make eating difficult and even cause health problems. Unfortunately, your home siding often becomes their go-to solution for this natural need. The tough material provides the resistance they need to file down their teeth, but it also leaves your home damaged in the process.

Instinct and Stress Relief

Chewing is a natural instinct for squirrels, and it’s something they do even when they don’t need to eat or build a nest. It’s also a way for them to relieve stress or boredom, much like how humans might fidget or chew gum. Sadly, this means your siding could become their stress-relief tool, even if they have no real reason to target your home. Once they start, it’s hard to stop them, as the behavior is deeply ingrained in their instincts.

Access to Food Storage

Sometimes, squirrels chew not because they want to get inside your home, but because they’re looking for a place to store food. They might gnaw openings in your siding to hide nuts, seeds, or other snacks in your walls for later use. This behavior not only damages your home but also creates a mess inside your walls. Over time, these hidden food stashes can attract other pests, making the problem even worse.

Regardless of the reason, squirrels chewing home siding can weaken the structure of your home and lead to larger problems over time. 

The Damage Caused by Squirrels Chewing Siding

Squirrels may be small, but the damage they cause is anything but. Here’s what you should watch for:

• Visible Holes: Siding that has been chewed by squirrels often has small, semi-circular holes. These can expand over time, making it easier for other animals to enter your home. 
• Water Damage: Once a squirrel breaches your siding, rain and snow can seep inside, leading to mold, decay, and other water-related issues. 
• Gnawed Fascia or Gutters: Near siding, squirrels may also chew on fascia boards or clog gutters by building nests, which can lead to drainage issues. 
• Structural Problems: Beyond siding, squirrels have no problem moving deeper into your home. Once inside, they chew on wood beams, insulation, and even electrical wiring, posing a potential fire hazard.

How to Squirrel-Proof Home Siding

Protecting your home from squirrels isn’t as challenging as it sounds. Taking proactive steps can make a big difference and help prevent squirrel damage. Here’s how:

Inspect and Repair Your Exterior

Squirrels gravitate toward weak points in your home siding. Look for cracks, loose panels, or areas that seem worn out. Regularly inspect your home to identify vulnerable areas and make repairs before squirrels find them.

Install Durable Siding Materials

If you’re building or renovating your home, consider using materials that are squirrel-proof. Hardwoods, fiber cement, and brick siding are good options since they’re harder for squirrels to gnaw through compared to wood, vinyl, or aluminum.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Squirrels often reach siding by climbing overhanging branches or shrubs. Keep tree limbs trimmed back at least six feet from your home to minimize their access.

Add Protective Barriers

Use metal flashing or hardware cloth to reinforce areas like roof edges, attic vents, and corners of your siding. These barriers make it significantly harder for squirrels to chew their way in.

Seal Entry Points

Thoroughly seal any gaps or holes in your home. Remember, squirrels can squeeze through openings as small as two inches wide! One-way doors or exclusion tools can also be installed to allow them to exit but prevent re-entry.

Remove Food Sources

Avoid leaving food outside your home that might attract squirrels. This includes bird feeders, pet food, or unsecured trash bins. The less appeal your home has for squirrels, the fewer issues you’ll face.

By implementing these preventive measures, you’re taking the first steps toward protecting your home and creating an environment that’s less attractive to squirrels.

Why Choose Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control?

Even with all the precautions in place, squirrels may still find their way to your home siding. When this happens, professional help becomes crucial. Here’s how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Peachtree Corners can help.

• Humane Wildlife Removal: Our team uses a humane approach to remove squirrels safely. We never use harmful traps or relocate squirrels. Instead, we use exclusion techniques, such as one-way doors, that encourage squirrels to leave on their own.
• Comprehensive Home Assessment: We don’t just remove squirrels—we also identify every entry point they could use. From roofs to tiny gaps in siding, we make sure no spot is overlooked.
• Damage Repair and Prevention: After removing squirrels, we repair and seal the damage caused, ensuring it’s both secure and resistant to future chew attempts. This makes your siding squirrel-proof and maintains the integrity of your home.
• Local Expertise: Living and working in Peachtree Corners, we understand the specific challenges you face with local wildlife. Our tailored solutions ensure that you not only get rid of squirrels but also keep them from coming back.
• Lifetime Warranty: We stand by the quality of our work. With our lifetime warranty, you can trust that the solutions we provide are built to last.

Got Squirrel Trouble? We’re Here to Help!

Dealing with squirrels chewing home siding is no small task, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right preventive measures and the expertise of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, you can protect your home from pesky squirrels. 

If you’re in Peachtree Corners and facing squirrel trouble, don’t wait—reach out to us for a professional assessment and customized solution. Together, we can squirrel-proof your siding and keep your home safe and sound.

Whether it’s holes in your siding or preventing future issues, we’re here to help you solve the problem of squirrels chewing your home siding, prevent squirrel damage, and make your property squirrel-proof. 

Request an estimate today and discover how we can make a difference for your home in Peachtree Corners.