Squirrels chewing wires is among the many commonest and probably the most harmful injury that rodents can do in the event that they get inside your own home. Why do squirrels do that, what makes it so harmful, and how will you stop it?
Why Do Squirrels Chew on Wires?
Squirrels are rodents, and the attribute that makes rodents completely different from all different mammals is that their entrance enamel by no means cease rising from the time they’re born till they die. They should discover laborious issues to gnaw on to put on their enamel down. In any other case, the enamel would develop to an unmanageable measurement, and the squirrels wouldn’t be capable of open their mouths to eat or drink and would ultimately die.
Whereas squirrels can eat many sorts of meals, their favorite meals is nuts. Some nuts are available in laborious shells, and sharp enamel assist the squirrel to have the ability to crack the shells open to get to the great things inside. Chewing on issues corresponding to electrical wires additionally helps to maintain the squirrels’ enamel laborious and sharp to allow them to use them to crack nut shells and feed themselves.
At this level, chances are you’ll be saying, “However there are numerous laborious supplies in my attic that the squirrels might chew on; why do they gravitate particularly towards electrical wires?” You’re proper that there are numerous laborious surfaces in your attic, and generally the squirrels do chew on issues corresponding to ceiling beams or roof joists. Nonetheless, there’s a motive why squirrels appear drawn to electrical wires.
Trendy electrical wiring is commonly surrounded by insulation fabricated from plant-based supplies. Since a squirrel’s weight loss program consists primarily of plant matter, it might be drawn to the insulation as a possible meals and begin stripping it off the wires with its enamel. Having found within the course of that the wire is difficult and good to gnaw on, it might preserve chewing till it has eliminated all of the insulation from the wire.
What Are the Risks of Squirrels Chewing on Wires?
The fabric used to insulate electrical wires is non-conductive. It prevents a wire from coming into contact with a conductive materials and inflicting a brief circuit. If a squirrel strips all of the insulation from {an electrical} wire, it might produce a spark that would ignite dry, flammable supplies in your attic. An estimated 30,000 home fires a 12 months are believed to be brought on by squirrels.
How Can You Shield Your Wires From Squirrels?
One of the best ways to guard your wires from squirrels is to stop squirrels from stepping into your own home within the first place. Preserve your yard clear and well-maintained, and don’t depart something outdoors that would entice squirrels, corresponding to pet meals. Don’t have chook or squirrel feeders, or no less than preserve them as distant from the home as potential. Preserve tree branches trimmed again from the home. Clear up any nuts or fruit that fall out of your bushes.
Squirrels are capable of squeeze by very small openings. Examine your own home’s exterior for any openings that would permit entry, particularly on or close to the roof. Look particularly for indicators that squirrels have gnawed a gap by roofing supplies to get into your attic. A squirrel’s enamel are the most effective instruments that it has, and gnawing a gap within the roof additionally helps to file the enamel down.
In case you can not stop the squirrels from stepping into your own home, the following step is skilled squirrel removing.
Why Ought to You Name Skedaddle for Squirrel Chewing Wires?
In case you suspect that squirrels have gotten into your own home, Skedaddle technicians can affirm their presence. Our technicians can even determine any injury that the squirrels have performed, corresponding to chewed wires. Be taught extra about all of the wildlife management providers in Okanagan we provide.