Have you ever wondered why squirrels like to chew on wires? Or have you come across a chewed wire in your home? Squirrels are prolific chewers who can chew through practically anything. They commonly get into people’s homes by chewing their way in. While the animals themselves may be cute, this chewing is concerning because it can be very dangerous. If you have any squirrel concerns, feel free to give Pest Control Guelph a call.
Squirrels are omnivorous rodents that are common in nearly every part of the world – everywhere but Australia. The most common species in Canada are the grey squirrel and the red squirrel. The grey squirrel is the largest of the two and appears either fully black or grey-brown with a lighter belly. The red squirrel, on the other hand, is reddish in colour and has a shorter tail. Both are tree squirrels who like to nest above ground and feed primarily on a diet of seeds, berries, nuts, and buds. As rodents, squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing so they can chew and gnaw on as many hard nuts as they want. Their teeth act as a multi-tool that provides them with defence and allows them to chew through wood – even metal!
It’s unclear why squirrels like to chew on electrical wires. It may be that the material is satisfying for them to chew, or because it mimics the texture of tree buds. They could also be trying to manipulate their environment. Regardless, it is dangerous for squirrels to chew wires. Not only for the squirrel, but for the owner of the home that is housing those wires. Chewing wires is a fire hazard and it could cause power outages. If there are squirrels in your house, you should absolutely evict them to prevent this from happening. This is a risk you do not want to take.
If there are squirrels in your attic or anywhere else in your home, you should contact a local wildlife removal company to take care of the situation. Squirrels are a protected species in Canada, so a professional will know what to do to remove the animals in the safest and most effective way possible. The technician you hire will likely install a one-way door to the entrance the squirrels are using, which will make the squirrels unable to come back inside once they have gone out to find food. This doesn’t harm the squirrels. Once the squirrels are gone, the technician will return and remove the door for you. You can then seal up the entrance yourself or get the professional to do so.
So, why do squirrels chew on electrical wires? No one knows for sure, but it is dangerous, and it should be avoided at all costs. Squirrels are wonderful and interesting creatures that should only be admired outdoors. The risks they pose on people’s homes are too great to be tolerated. If you have a squirrel problem or if you’re interested in squirrel-proofing, reach out to Pest Control Guelph. We offer thorough inspections, safe removal, and guaranteed pest-proofing. Call Pest Control Guelph today: 519-900-1180.
