Can Squirrels Chew Through Wood?

Anyone who has had experience with a squirrel infestation knows how much havoc squirrels can create. Squirrels are rodents with long, sharp, and strong teeth that help them gnaw through things. Many people question if squirrels can chew through wood. 

It may come as a surprise but squirrels can chew through wood. This is often how squirrels get into homes and through fences. 

Squirrels do not only chew through wood but also other materials too. This gnawing behaviour is one of the reasons why people do not like inviting squirrels into their gardens. Squirrels have teeth that grow consistently. Therefore, they chew on wood to file them and keep them levelled. 

Can Squirrels Chew Through Metal?

If you think your home is safe because of aluminium sidings, you may be wrong. There are no stopping squirrels. Squirrels love to gnaw to keep their growing teeth in shape, and they do not spare metal. 

Aluminium sidings, vents, and gutters are installed when constructing homes because they are lightweight and durable. However, while aluminium is the perfect material for houses, a problem with it is that it is not safe from squirrels. 

Squirrels can chew through metal. Other hard metals such as galvanized steel and stainless steel are not easy for squirrels to chew through. However, squirrels can easily chew through aluminium. As a result, many homeowners have to face the problem of gnawing and replacing their aluminium sheets now and then. 

It is best to use strong materials instead of aluminium, so you do not have to pay for the damage each time. 

Can Squirrels Chew Through Wire?

Many people wonder if squirrels can chew through wires, and the answer, unfortunately, is yes. Squirrels, like other rodents, have to chew through things because their teeth grow forever.

While squirrels consume hard materials, too, such as nuts, they need to gnaw through items such as wood, plastic, and wires. 

People install wires in their gardens to keep squirrels out to only find that they have chewed through them. For example, people commonly use chicken wire in their gardens, but they are not rodent-safe.

There are other proper wires available that keep squirrels out. These wires are specially made with regards to keeping squirrels in mind. The wire mesh is made from stainless steel, which squirrels have a hard time gnawing through. 

In addition, squirrels chew through electrical wires too. People often complain about squirrels getting into homes and attics and chewing any electrical wires they find. Squirrels, unfortunately, enjoy chewing electrical wires because they have a soft covering.

Therefore, it is best to look out for squirrels on your roof or the attic, especially during the winter season when squirrels look for a warm place to crash. 

What Can Squirrels Not Chew Through?

Unfortunately, there is not a lot that squirrels cannot chew through. Squirrels have sharp and long teeth against which nothing stands a chance. However, there are still some materials you should know about that squirrels cannot chew through. 

It is best to use hard metals such as stainless steel and galvanized steel which squirrels cannot chew quite as easily. Unfortunately, many people use aluminium which is not squirrel-proof. Where possible, it is a wise choice to switch to stainless steel. 

If squirrels have made holes in your walls, do not stuff them with wood. Stuffing any holes with wood will only make the squirrels chew through them. Instead, stuff the holes with wire mesh or a strong metal sheet. 

In addition, another material that squirrels cannot chew through is chicken wires made especially to keep squirrels out. You can get these wires and install them in your garden, home, and attic to keep any unwanted squirrels out. 

Cheaper chicken wire is often made of aluminium so make sure you buy galvanised wire.

How to Stop Squirrels from Chewing Through Your Home 

If you spot any squirrels where you reside, you may want to take some precautions before they chew through your home.

Squirrels may come across as small harmless mammals, but once they enter your home, it can be not easy to get them out. In addition, some squirrels are territorial and can become aggressive.

Moreover, a squirrel infestation can lead to extensive house damage and cause the spread of dangerous diseases:

Cut Back Trees

The first thing you can do is avoid giving access to squirrels in your garden. Squirrels live on trees and use them as their main way of commuting.

You can cut the trees or bushes near your house, which squirrels can use to get inside. 

Install Wire

A way to discourage squirrels from getting into your home is by installing porcupine wire. Porcupine wire will prove to be uncomfortable for the squirrels and keep them away. 

Spray with Repellent

If you find a particular area that squirrels have been chewing, you can spray some repellent there. You can either use a taste repellent or a tactile repellent.

Moreover, you can also apply roofing cement in areas where squirrels like to chew. The taste of tar in the roofing cement will discourage squirrels from chewing further. 

Summary 

Squirrels may look adorable running in gardens and jumping from tree to tree, but they can cause some serious damage. All rodents, including squirrels, must gnaw through things to file their teeth because they never stop growing.

Hence, people find that squirrels can chew through hard materials, including wood. It comes as a surprise to people when they find that squirrels can also chew through metal.

Therefore, it is best to avoid using soft metals like aluminium. Instead, one should go for galvanized steel or stainless steel.

In addition, squirrels also chew through wires like chicken wires and electrical wires. You can prevent squirrels from chewing through your home by cutting nearby trees, using porcupines wire, repellents, and applying roofing cement in areas where squirrels chew.