Why Do Squirrels Chew On Wires?

Picture of squirrel eating nuts

Nuts, seeds, and fruit make up the majority of the squirrel’s diet. Many of those varieties are abrasive to the teeth. Our teeth would be worn down to stubs if we ate only those foods. Squirrel teeth, on the other hand, are constantly growing to combat this problem. This explains why they gnaw on a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. They chew on these items to keep their teeth from becoming too long as they grow. Several times a day, they will bite on various materials.

Learn More: Questions About Squirrels In The Home

Why Is It Dangerous To Have Wires Chewed By Squirrels?

When a squirrel in the attic chews on electrical wires, it may cause inconvenience and even put people’s lives in danger. Electrical wires that have been damaged may split, resulting in a power outage. Electrocution often occurs when a person comes into contact with chewed electrical wires, causing serious injuries or death.

Electrical wires that have been damaged can also cause a fire to start. Dry, flammable materials, such as insulation, boxes, and wood beams, are frequently found in attics, providing fuel for a fire.

How To Stop Squirrels From Chewing On Electrical Wires?

There are not any quick tricks to prevent squirrels from biting wires. The only way to prevent this from happening is to prevent squirrels from your home in the first place. This can be done by repairing any damage or gaps in the structure of your home. Wildlife removal companies can also install devices around weak points of the home to block any squirrel entry attempts. 
 
If squirrels have already entered your home, it’s important to take action quickly. The longer the rodents reside in your home, the more damage that will occur. Contacting a pest removal & exclusion expert is the first step. Technicians at Animals Happen can walk you through the removal process and everything you need to know.