Why do squirrels eat wood on a house? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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Why Do Squirrels Eat Wood on a House? A Homeowner’s Guide

Squirrels gnaw on wood primarily to sharpen their teeth and to access shelter or food. This destructive behavior can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked.

Introduction: The Wood-Gnawing Squirrel Enigma

Squirrels, those seemingly innocent creatures scampering across our lawns and burying nuts in our gardens, can become a homeowner’s nightmare when they turn their attention to our houses. The sight of a squirrel meticulously chewing on siding, trim, or even the roofline can be unsettling and raises the crucial question: Why do squirrels eat wood on a house? Understanding the motivations behind this behavior is the first step in preventing it and protecting your property.

The Driving Forces Behind Wood-Eating

Squirrels don’t actually eat the wood in the traditional sense of deriving nutritional value from it. Their primary motivation is quite different, driven by biological needs and opportunistic behavior.

Teeth Maintenance: Squirrels, like all rodents, have incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives. To keep these teeth at a manageable length, they must constantly gnaw on hard materials. Wood serves as an ideal abrasive surface for this purpose.
Shelter and Nesting: Squirrels are always on the lookout for safe and secure places to nest and raise their young. They may chew through wood to create entry points into attics, walls, or crawl spaces. These spaces provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Food Access: In some cases, squirrels may chew on wood to gain access to food sources inside a house. This could include stored grains, nuts, or even insects that are living within the wooden structure.
Boredom and Exploration: While less common, squirrels may simply gnaw on wood out of boredom or curiosity. Young squirrels, in particular, may engage in this behavior as they explore their surroundings.

Identifying Signs of Squirrel Damage

Recognizing the signs of squirrel damage early on is crucial for preventing extensive repairs. Here are some common indicators:

Gnaw Marks: Look for freshly gnawed areas on siding, trim, roof edges, and decks. These marks will often be rough and uneven.
Entry Points: Inspect your house for holes or openings that squirrels could be using to enter the attic, walls, or crawl spaces.
Droppings and Nests: If squirrels have gained access to your home, you may find droppings, nesting materials (leaves, twigs, insulation), or food debris.
Scratching and Noises: Listen for scratching sounds coming from the attic, walls, or roof, especially during the early morning and evening hours.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Home

The best approach to dealing with squirrels is to prevent them from targeting your house in the first place. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

Seal Entry Points: Thoroughly inspect your house and seal any cracks, holes, or openings that squirrels could use to enter. Use sturdy materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim branches that overhang your roof or provide easy access to your house. Keep shrubs and bushes well-maintained.
Secure Food Sources: Store food properly in airtight containers and clean up any spilled birdseed or pet food. Keep garbage cans tightly sealed.
Install Squirrel Guards: Consider installing squirrel guards on bird feeders and around trees to prevent squirrels from accessing these areas.
Use Repellents: There are various squirrel repellents available, including sprays, granules, and ultrasonic devices. These can be effective in deterring squirrels from specific areas.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY prevention methods can be effective, there are times when it’s best to call a professional wildlife control service. This is especially true if:

Squirrels have already established a nest inside your house.
You are unable to safely access entry points.
You are dealing with a large or persistent squirrel population.
You are concerned about potential health risks associated with squirrels.

A professional can safely and humanely remove the squirrels, seal entry points, and provide advice on preventing future infestations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Poison: Poison is an inhumane and ineffective method of squirrel control. It can also pose a risk to pets and children.
Trapping and Relocating: Trapping and relocating squirrels is often illegal and inhumane. Squirrels are territorial animals, and relocated squirrels are unlikely to survive in a new environment.
Ignoring the Problem: Ignoring squirrel damage will only make the problem worse. Early intervention is essential for preventing extensive repairs.
Using Inappropriate Materials: Using weak or flimsy materials to seal entry points will not deter squirrels. They will simply chew through them.
Neglecting Yard Maintenance: Overgrown trees, shrubs, and vegetation provide easy access for squirrels to your house.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do squirrels suddenly start eating wood on my house in the fall?

During the fall, squirrels are driven by the instinct to prepare for winter. They’re actively seeking shelter and storing food. Increased chewing on your house might indicate they’re trying to create or enlarge entry points for nesting before the cold weather arrives, or are looking for stored food supplies.

Is it possible that my house siding type attracts squirrels more than others?

Yes, certain siding types might be more appealing to squirrels. Wood siding, especially if it’s soft or decaying, is easier to chew than vinyl or metal siding. Also, siding with gaps or loose pieces offers easier entry points for squirrels to exploit.

Are certain breeds of squirrels more prone to gnawing on houses than others?

While any squirrel species might chew on wood, Eastern Gray Squirrels are commonly reported for damaging homes. Their adaptability and prevalence in urban environments contribute to this. Red squirrels are also known to be destructive.

How can I tell if squirrels are chewing on my electrical wires inside the walls?

Signs that squirrels are chewing on electrical wires include flickering lights, power outages, and the smell of burning plastic. This is a serious hazard, and you should immediately contact an electrician to inspect and repair the wiring.

What are the health risks associated with squirrels nesting in my attic?

Squirrels can carry diseases like leptospirosis, tularemia, and rabies, although rabies is rare. Their droppings and urine can also contaminate insulation and create a biohazard, potentially leading to respiratory problems.

Can squirrel repellents really stop them from eating wood?

Squirrel repellents can be effective as part of an integrated approach. Look for repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin (from chili peppers) or predator urine. Apply them regularly and reapply after rain. However, repellents alone might not solve the problem if squirrels are highly motivated by shelter or food.

What is the best material to use for patching holes that squirrels have made?

The best materials for patching holes are sturdy and resistant to chewing. Options include metal flashing, hardware cloth (wire mesh), and strong sealants or caulk. Ensure the patch is securely attached and flush with the surrounding surface.

How can I prevent squirrels from nesting in my gutters?

Clean your gutters regularly to remove leaves and debris that attract squirrels. Install gutter guards or mesh screens to prevent squirrels from building nests inside the gutters.

If I remove a squirrel nest, will the mother return?

If you remove a squirrel nest with babies, the mother will likely return in search of them. It’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service to handle this situation humanely. They can often trap and relocate the mother with her young.

Is it illegal to kill squirrels in my yard?

Laws regarding the killing of squirrels vary by state and local jurisdiction. Some areas may have restrictions on hunting or trapping squirrels. Check with your local wildlife agency for specific regulations. Often it’s better and simpler to focus on non-lethal deterrents.

How much damage can squirrels really do to a house?

Squirrel damage can range from minor cosmetic issues to significant structural problems. Chewing on wood can weaken framing, while nesting in attics can damage insulation and electrical wiring. Left unchecked, squirrel damage can lead to costly repairs.

Besides wood, what other materials do squirrels often target?

Besides wood, squirrels often target insulation, electrical wires, plastic pipes, and garden hoses. They may also chew on outdoor furniture, bird feeders, and other items in your yard.

By understanding the motivations of squirrels and implementing effective prevention strategies, you can protect your home from costly damage and maintain a harmonious coexistence with these fascinating creatures. Remember to act early, seek professional help when needed, and prioritize humane and responsible solutions.