How to Keep Squirrels from Chewing on Your Siding: A Comprehensive Guide
Keep squirrels from destroying your home’s exterior! This guide provides expert-backed strategies to deter these furry pests and protect your siding, teaching you how to keep squirrels from chewing on your siding effectively.
Understanding the Squirrel Siding Situation
Squirrels, while often perceived as cute and harmless, can inflict significant damage on homes. Their constant gnawing can lead to costly repairs and potentially compromise the structural integrity of your siding. Understanding why they chew, and what attracts them, is the first step in preventing further damage.
Why Squirrels Chew: Beyond Hunger
Squirrels don’t chew siding out of malice. The primary drivers behind this destructive behavior include:
- Teeth Maintenance: Squirrel teeth constantly grow. Chewing helps them file down their incisors and prevent overgrowth. Siding, unfortunately, provides a readily available and consistent surface for this purpose.
- Nest Building: Squirrels are opportunistic builders. They may chew siding to create or enlarge entry points for nesting sites. This is especially prevalent during spring and fall nesting seasons.
- Curiosity and Exploration: Young squirrels, in particular, are highly curious. They explore their environment by chewing on various objects, which can include your siding.
- Access to Food: If squirrels have found food sources near your home, such as bird feeders or unsecured garbage cans, they are more likely to investigate and chew on your siding while searching for more.
Making Your Home Less Attractive to Squirrels: Prevention is Key
Prevention is often the most effective strategy when it comes to how to keep squirrels from chewing on your siding. By making your property less appealing, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of squirrel damage.
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Eliminate Food Sources:
- Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean up fallen fruit and nuts from trees.
- Store pet food indoors.
- Consider moving or modifying bird feeders to prevent squirrels from accessing them (e.g., using squirrel-proof feeders or adding baffles).
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Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep branches trimmed back at least 6-8 feet from your roof and siding. This prevents squirrels from easily accessing your home.
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Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for existing holes or cracks in your siding, roof, or foundation. Seal these openings with caulk, metal flashing, or wire mesh to prevent squirrels from entering and nesting.
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Remove Climbing Aids: Remove any vines or trellises that squirrels could use to climb onto your siding or roof.
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Deterrents:
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices can startle squirrels and discourage them from approaching your home.
- Sound Deterrents: Ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds (inaudible to humans) can be effective in deterring squirrels.
- Visual Deterrents: Shiny, reflective objects (like aluminum foil strips or pinwheels) can also scare squirrels away.
Direct Deterrents: When Prevention Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, preventive measures aren’t enough, and you need to take more direct action to deter squirrels.
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Squirrel Repellents: Several commercially available squirrel repellents can be applied to your siding. Look for repellents that contain natural ingredients like capsaicin (the active ingredient in chili peppers) or garlic. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying repellents. Remember that some repellents may need to be reapplied after rain.
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Physical Barriers:
- Hardware Cloth: This is a durable, wire mesh that can be used to protect vulnerable areas of your siding. Attach it securely using screws or nails.
- Metal Flashing: Install metal flashing around areas where squirrels are frequently chewing. The smooth, slippery surface will make it difficult for them to grip.
Choosing the Right Siding: Considerations for Squirrel Resistance
While no siding material is completely squirrel-proof, some are more resistant to damage than others. When choosing siding, consider the following:
| Siding Material | Squirrel Resistance | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| :——————— | :—————— | :—————————————————————— | :—————————————————————— |
| Fiber Cement | High | Durable, resistant to insects and rot, fire-resistant | More expensive than vinyl, can be brittle |
| Metal Siding (Steel/Aluminum) | High | Very durable, long-lasting, low maintenance | Can be dented, may require professional installation |
| Wood Siding | Low | Aesthetically appealing, can be painted or stained | Susceptible to rot, insects, and squirrel damage, requires maintenance |
| Vinyl Siding | Medium | Affordable, low maintenance, readily available | Can be damaged by impact, less durable than fiber cement or metal |
Addressing Existing Damage
If squirrels have already damaged your siding, it’s important to address the issue promptly.
- Repair the Damage: Repairing damaged siding will not only improve the appearance of your home but also prevent further water damage and deter squirrels from returning to the same spot.
- Clean the Area: Remove any squirrel droppings or nesting materials from the area. This will help eliminate odors that might attract other squirrels.
- Apply Repellent: After repairing the damage, apply a squirrel repellent to the area to discourage squirrels from chewing again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will mothballs keep squirrels away?
No, mothballs are not an effective or safe way to deter squirrels. They can be harmful to humans and pets, and their effectiveness is questionable. Focus on proven methods like eliminating food sources and using physical barriers. Never use mothballs in a way that is not specifically directed on the product packaging.
Is it humane to trap and relocate squirrels?
While trapping and relocating squirrels might seem like a humane solution, it’s often not the best approach. Relocated squirrels often struggle to survive in unfamiliar territory and may not be able to find food or shelter. Furthermore, relocating squirrels is illegal in many areas due to the potential spread of diseases and disruption of local ecosystems.
Do squirrels chew on all types of siding equally?
No. As shown in the table above, squirrels are more likely to chew on softer materials like wood and vinyl. Fiber cement and metal siding are generally more resistant to squirrel damage.
What time of year are squirrels most likely to chew on siding?
Squirrels are most active and likely to chew on siding during nesting seasons, which typically occur in the spring and fall. However, they can chew on siding year-round if they are looking for food or shelter.
Are there specific scents that squirrels dislike?
Yes. Squirrels are known to dislike the smell of peppermint, garlic, and capsaicin (chili peppers). You can use these scents to your advantage by applying repellents containing these ingredients or planting peppermint around your home.
Can I use poison to get rid of squirrels?
Using poison to control squirrels is generally discouraged due to the risk of harming other animals, including pets and wildlife. It’s also often illegal to use poison to kill squirrels. Focus on humane and effective deterrent methods.
How can I tell if squirrels are nesting in my siding?
Signs that squirrels are nesting in your siding include: seeing squirrels entering and exiting holes in your siding, hearing scratching or rustling noises inside your walls, finding droppings or nesting materials near your home, and noticing damage to your siding.
Will a squirrel whistle scare them away?
A “squirrel whistle” (a high-frequency sound device) might deter squirrels temporarily, but its effectiveness can diminish over time as squirrels become accustomed to the sound. Combining a squirrel whistle with other deterrent methods is the best approach.
How do I keep squirrels from chewing on my siding if I live in an apartment?
If you live in an apartment, your options for preventing squirrel damage may be limited. Contact your landlord or property manager and explain the situation. They may be able to take steps to address the problem, such as trimming trees or sealing entry points.
Are squirrels more likely to chew on new or old siding?
Squirrels are opportunistic and will chew on siding regardless of its age. However, old or damaged siding may be more vulnerable to squirrel damage because it’s easier to access and chew.
Can I hire a professional to help me keep squirrels away?
Yes. Pest control professionals can provide effective solutions for squirrel control, including trapping, exclusion, and habitat modification. They can also identify and address any underlying issues that are attracting squirrels to your property.
How do I keep squirrels from chewing on my siding around my garden?
Protecting your garden and your siding from squirrels requires a multi-pronged approach. Enclose your garden with fencing, use netting to protect vulnerable plants, and apply squirrel repellent to plants and the surrounding area. Don’t forget to address any potential entry points on your siding near the garden.