Why Squirrels Chew Electrical Wires?
Squirrels chewing wires is among the many commonest and essentially the most harmful harm that rodents can do in the event that they get inside your property. 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 totally different from all different mammals is that their entrance tooth by no means cease rising from the time they’re born till they die. They should discover onerous issues to gnaw on to put on their tooth down. In any other case, the tooth would develop to an unmanageable dimension, and the squirrels wouldn’t be capable of open their mouths to eat or drink and would finally die.
Whereas squirrels can eat many kinds of meals, their favorite meals is nuts. Some nuts are available onerous shells, and sharp tooth assist the squirrel to have the ability to crack the shells open to get to the great things inside. Chewing on issues similar to electrical wires additionally helps to maintain the squirrels’ tooth onerous 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 lots of onerous supplies in my attic that the squirrels might chew on; why do they gravitate particularly towards electrical wires?” You might be proper that there are lots of onerous surfaces in your attic, and typically the squirrels do chew on issues similar to ceiling beams or roof joists. Nevertheless, there’s a cause why squirrels appear drawn to electrical wires.
Trendy electrical wiring is usually surrounded by insulation product of plant-based supplies. Since a squirrel’s weight-reduction plan consists primarily of plant matter, it could be drawn to the insulation as a possible meals and begin stripping it off the wires with its tooth. Having found within the course of that the wire is tough and good to gnaw on, it could hold 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 yr are believed to be attributable to squirrels.
How Can You Defend Your Wires From Squirrels?
The easiest way to guard your wires from squirrels is to stop squirrels from moving into your property within the first place. Hold your yard clear and well-maintained, and don’t go away something outdoors that would appeal to squirrels, similar to pet meals. Don’t have chook or squirrel feeders, or no less than hold them as far-off from the home as doable. Hold tree branches trimmed again from the home. Clear up any nuts or fruit that fall out of your bushes.
Squirrels are in a position to squeeze via very small openings. Examine your property’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 via roofing supplies to get into your attic. A squirrel’s tooth are the perfect instruments that it has, and gnawing a gap within the roof additionally helps to file the tooth down.
When you can’t stop the squirrels from moving into your property, the following step is skilled squirrel removing.
Why Ought to You Name Skedaddle for Squirrel Chewing Wires?
When you suspect that squirrels have gotten into your property, Skedaddle technicians can affirm their presence. Our technicians also can determine any harm that the squirrels have completed, similar to chewed wires. Study extra about all of the wildlife management companies in Okanagan we provide.