If you’ve noticed unusual noises in your walls or attic or experienced unexplained electrical issues in your Pickering home, there’s a good chance you have a squirrel problem. These rodents have a particular fondness for chewing wires, often causing expensive electrical damage and putting your home at risk. Understanding why this happens and taking steps to prevent squirrel electrical damage can save homeowners significant money and frustration.

Why Do Squirrels Chew Electrical Wires?

Squirrels chewing wires is more common than you might think, and it comes down to their biology and instincts. Squirrels possess teeth that never stop growing, and chewing is their natural method for keeping those teeth at a manageable length. Unfortunately for homeowners, electrical wiring found in attics and walls provides an accessible and appealing target for this purpose.

Here are some reasons why squirrels target wiring:

• Teeth Maintenance: Squirrels need to gnaw on hard materials to prevent their teeth from overgrowing. Wiring, with its tough, thin coating, is perfectly suited for this purpose.  
• Access and Convenience: Once inside your attic or walls, squirrels are surrounded by a network of wires. These small spaces are easy for them to explore, and the abundance of wires makes them an attractive option for chewing.  
• Seeking Nesting Material: Squirrels sometimes chew through wires as they attempt to gather materials for their nests. Torn insulation and chewed cables can make up part of their bedding in attics.  

Unfortunately, this behaviour doesn’t just damage your home—it creates significant safety risks. Chewed wires can result in short circuits, sparks, and even fires.

What Are Common Electrical Problems Caused by Squirrels?

The presence of squirrels chewing wires in your home isn’t just an inconvenience—it poses major risks that every homeowner should be aware of. Ignoring these issues can lead to costly repairs and even dangerous situations.

• Electrical Fires:  Exposed wires from squirrels’ chewing habits are a leading cause of house fires. Damaged insulation around electrical wires can lead to short circuits, generating heat and potentially igniting flammable materials nearby.  
• Power Outages: Chewed wiring can result in flickering lights, damaged appliances, and complete power loss in certain areas of your home. This may leave you reliant on costly electricians to restore proper function.  
• Structural Damage: The damage caused by squirrels is often not limited to electrical wiring. They also gnaw on wooden beams and insulation, which can compromise the integrity of your home.  
• Health Risks: Beyond electrical issues, squirrels can bring additional health concerns. Their droppings and nesting materials can contribute to the spread of parasites and bacteria.

Given these risks, taking preventive measures is essential to protect your home and family from the damage squirrels can cause.

How to Protect Home Wiring From Squirrels

Prevention is crucial when it comes to keeping squirrels out of your home and away from your wiring. Here at Skedaddle, we recommend homeowners take the following steps to safeguard their homes from potential squirrel damage.

Seal Entry Points

Squirrels are nimble climbers and can enter your home through surprisingly small gaps—sometimes as small as two inches! Inspect your home’s exterior, paying special attention to:

• Roof Vents: Install durable metal screens over roof vents to block entry.  
• Soffits and Fascias: Seal any gaps or repair weakened materials using heavy-duty products like galvanized steel.  
• Chimneys: Use chimney caps to prevent squirrels from entering through the top.  

If you’re unsure of where these animals are entering, a professional wildlife inspection can identify vulnerable areas.

Trim Tree Branches and Shrubs

Overhanging branches provide squirrels with an easy path to your roof. Keeping trees trimmed to at least six feet away from your home reduces the likelihood of squirrel access. Similarly, limiting dense shrubs near your walls can help keep these rodents at bay.

Use Deterrents

While no method guarantees total success, deterrents can reduce the chances of squirrels entering your home:

• Motion-Activated Sprayers: These are effective for deterring squirrels exploring your yard or exterior walls.  
• Ultrasonic Devices: Some homeowners find success with devices emitting high-frequency sounds that drive squirrels away.  
• Deodorize Areas: Masking pheromones or scents associated with a squirrel’s previous presence can discourage return visits.

Protect Wiring Inside the Home

For any accessible wiring, consider adding extra protection. Conduit tubing, made of tough plastic or metal, can make it significantly more difficult for squirrels to chew wires. If you’ve already experienced minor wiring damage, it’s a good idea to call an electrician for repairs before it worsens.

Schedule Professional Wildlife Exclusion

The most effective way to prevent squirrels from causing damage to your home is to work with wildlife removal professionals. At Skedaddle, we’ve helped countless homeowners keep their properties safe. Our exclusion process includes identifying all potential entry points, sealing them off, and ensuring that squirrels stay out for good.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Humane Squirrel Removal in Pickering?

When it comes to resolving squirrel intrusions in your home, Skedaddle offers unmatched expertise and a commitment to humane practices. With over 30 years of experience in wildlife control, Skedaddle has developed industry-leading techniques that prioritize the safety and well-being of both the animals and your property. Our highly trained technicians understand the unique challenges of squirrel removal and take a meticulous approach to ensure a thorough and effective solution.

• Humane removal is central to our service at Skedaddle.  
• We use live removal techniques to safely relocate squirrels without harm.  
• After removal, we assess and secure all potential entry points to prevent re-entry.  
• Durable materials are used to match your home’s construction seamlessly.  
• Our prevention approach ensures long-term peace of mind.

We take pride in our exceptional customer service, offering reliable, professional, and responsive support to the residents of Pickering. From the initial inspection to the complete restoration of affected areas, Skedaddle works diligently to exceed expectations. Choosing Skedaddle means you are investing in a solution built on trust, compassion, and expertise, making us the best choice for humane squirrel removal in Pickering.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Preventing squirrel damage requires vigilance and proactive measures, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. By sealing entry points, using deterrents, and working with experts, homeowners can protect their home wiring from squirrels and avoid costly repairs or safety hazards.

If you’re ready to safeguard your home or suspect that squirrels have already moved in, we’re here to help. At Skedaddle, we bring over 30 years of experience in humane wildlife management and prevention to ensure your home remains safe and secure. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step in restoring your peace of mind.