How To Stop Squirrels From Chewing Wood: Effective Deterrents And Solutions

Are you frustrated with squirrels chewing on the wood around your home? It’s not uncommon for these little critters to cause damage to your property, but there are ways to prevent it.

In this article, we’ll show you some effective deterrents and solutions to stop squirrels from chewing on wood.

First, it’s important to understand why squirrels chew on wood. They may be looking for food, trying to sharpen their teeth, or simply exploring their surroundings. Whatever the reason, it can be a nuisance for homeowners.

By following the tips and tricks we’ll outline in this article, you can protect your property from further damage and keep those pesky squirrels at bay.

Understand Why Squirrels Chew on Wood

If you want to stop squirrels from chewing on your wood, you need to understand why they do it – it’s not just for fun, but rather a crucial part of their survival and well-being.

Squirrels have to keep their teeth sharp and strong, and chewing on wood helps them do just that. Additionally, wood contains a variety of nutrients that squirrels need to stay healthy, such as calcium and phosphorus.

Another reason squirrels chew on wood is to maintain their territory. They use their teeth to mark their territory with scent and visible marks, and chewing on wood helps them do this. By chewing on wood, squirrels also keep other animals away from their territory and signal to potential mates that they are in the area.

Lastly, squirrels may chew on wood simply out of boredom. If they are confined to a small space or don’t have enough toys or activities to keep them occupied, they may turn to chewing on wood as a form of entertainment. This is why it’s important to provide squirrels with plenty of distractions, such as chew toys and bird feeders, to keep them from targeting your wood.

Identify the Areas of Damage

Take a look around your property to spot the spots where the critters have been most active. Squirrels are known to chew on wood for a variety of reasons, mostly to sharpen their teeth or to gain access to food. As such, it’s important to identify the areas of damage in order to effectively target your efforts towards deterring them.

One common area where squirrels tend to chew on wood is near bird feeders. If you have a bird feeder on your property, chances are you’ll find bite marks and damage on the wooden parts. Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, and will often chew on the wood to gain access to the seeds. To prevent this, consider investing in a squirrel-proof bird feeder or placing the feeder in a location that’s difficult for squirrels to reach.

Another area where squirrels may chew on wood is around the roofline of your home. This is especially common if you have a wooden roof or wooden fascia boards. Squirrels may chew on the wood to gain access to your attic or to create a nest. If you notice damage in this area, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage and potential entry into your home. Consider installing metal flashing or wire mesh around the area to deter squirrels from chewing.

Use Squirrel Repellent

To keep squirrels away from certain areas of your property, you can try using squirrel repellent, which is designed to emit a scent that squirrels find unpleasant. There are various types of squirrel repellent available in the market, including natural and chemical options.

Natural squirrel repellent includes ingredients like peppermint oil, garlic, and vinegar, while chemical squirrel repellent contains synthetic substances that deter squirrels from chewing on wood. When using squirrel repellent, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Most repellents need to be applied directly to the wood or surface that the squirrels are chewing.

Some repellents require reapplication after a certain period of time, so make sure to read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep in mind that not all squirrel repellents work for every situation, so you may need to try a few different types of repellent to find one that effectively works for your specific needs.

While using squirrel repellent can be effective, it’s important to note that it’s not a foolproof solution. Some squirrels may still continue to chew on wood despite the unpleasant scent. If this is the case, it may be necessary to combine the use of squirrel repellent with other deterrents, such as physical barriers or removing attractants from your property.

By taking a multi-faceted approach, you can increase your chances of successfully stopping squirrels from damaging your property.

Install Physical Barriers

If you’re looking for effective ways to stop squirrels from chewing wood, installing physical barriers might be the solution for you. Metal flashing is a great option as it’s durable and can be easily attached to the wood to prevent squirrels from accessing it.

Chicken wire is also a popular choice as it’s affordable and can be wrapped around the wood to protect it from squirrels. Additionally, electric fencing can be a highly effective deterrent, but it requires careful installation to ensure safety for both humans and animals.

Metal Flashing

Hey, have you considered using metal flashing to keep those pesky squirrels from gnawing on your wooden surfaces? Metal flashing is a great way to protect your wooden surfaces from squirrel damage.

This material is made of thin sheets of metal that can be easily installed on any wooden surface. It’s also waterproof, which means it can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for a long time.

To install metal flashing, you need to measure the size of your wooden surface and cut the flashing accordingly. Then, nail or screw the flashing onto the surface, making sure it’s secure and covering the entire area you want to protect.

Squirrels are unable to chew through metal flashing, which makes it an effective deterrent against their destructive behavior. So, if you want to keep your wooden surfaces safe from squirrel damage, metal flashing is a great solution that you should definitely consider.

Chicken Wire

Chicken wire is a versatile and inexpensive material that can be used to protect your garden from unwanted visitors. It can also be a great tool to keep squirrels from chewing on your wooden structures.

Simply wrap the chicken wire around the areas where the squirrels have been chewing or where you want to prevent them from chewing in the future. The sharp edges of the wire will deter them from getting too close.

Another way to use chicken wire is to create a barrier around the base of trees or wooden posts. This will prevent the squirrels from climbing up and accessing the wood to chew on it. Make sure to bury the wire at least 6 inches deep to prevent the squirrels from digging underneath it.

Chicken wire may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but it’s an effective and affordable way to protect your wooden structures from squirrel damage.

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing can be a reliable way to keep squirrels out of your garden or away from your property. The electrified wires create a mild shock when touched, which is enough to deter even the most persistent squirrels.

Here are three things to keep in mind when installing electric fencing:

1. Choose the right voltage: The voltage of your electric fence will depend on the size of the area you want to protect and the type of animals you want to keep out. For squirrels, a voltage of around 3,000 to 5,000 volts is usually sufficient.

2. Install it properly: It’s important to install electric fencing correctly to ensure that it works as intended. Make sure that the wires are tight and properly grounded, and that there are no gaps or breaks in the fence.

3. Use warning signs: It’s important to warn people and animals about the presence of electric fencing. Place warning signs at regular intervals along the fence to ensure that everyone knows to stay away.

With these tips in mind, electric fencing can be an effective way to keep squirrels at bay.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Trimming overhanging branches is a simple way to prevent squirrels from accessing and chewing on wood structures. Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, so having overhanging branches close to your wood structures is like creating a bridge for them. By trimming these branches, you make it harder for squirrels to access the wood structures they’re trying to destroy.

Before you start trimming, identify which branches are overhanging the wood structures. You want to cut back any branches that are less than six feet away from the structure, as squirrels can easily jump a distance of six feet. Use a pair of pruning shears or a pruning saw to cut the branches carefully. Be careful not to damage the tree or leave large stubs, as these can attract insects and diseases.

Trimming overhanging branches is not only an effective way to prevent squirrels from chewing on wood structures, but it also benefits the tree’s health. By removing dead or diseased branches, you allow the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth. Additionally, trimming overhanging branches can improve the tree’s aesthetic appeal and make it look neater and well-maintained.

So, not only are you protecting your wood structures, but you’re also doing your tree a favor by keeping it healthy and looking good.

Provide Alternative Chewing Options

If you’re tired of squirrels gnawing on your outdoor furniture, try offering them some alternative options to chew on. Providing them with a chewing alternative can help divert their attention from your wood furniture.

Here are some alternative options you can provide for the squirrels:

• Wooden Chewing Blocks: Squirrels love to chew on wood, so providing them with blocks of wood to chew on can help. You can easily find pre-made wooden blocks at pet stores or make your own using untreated wood.

• Fruit and Nut Treats: Squirrels love fruit and nuts, so placing some of these treats in a designated area can help keep them away from your furniture. You can use a squirrel feeder or simply scatter the treats on the ground.

• Chew Toys: Just like dogs, squirrels enjoy chewing on toys. You can provide them with chew toys specifically designed for squirrels, or you can make your own using materials such as cardboard or untreated wood.

By providing squirrels with alternative options to chew on, you can help protect your outdoor furniture and keep the squirrels happy. Remember to always use untreated wood and avoid any toxic materials that may harm the squirrels.

With a little effort and creativity, you can find the perfect solution to keep your furniture safe and the squirrels satisfied.

Seek Professional Help if Necessary

You may want to consider seeking professional help when dealing with persistent squirrel damage to your outdoor furniture. While there are plenty of DIY solutions and deterrents you can try, sometimes the problem can be too big to handle on your own. A professional exterminator or wildlife control specialist can assess the situation and provide a more effective and long-lasting solution.

When choosing a professional, make sure to do your research and find someone with experience dealing specifically with squirrel damage. They should be able to provide a thorough inspection of your property and identify any entry points or areas where squirrels may be nesting. From there, they can recommend the best course of action, whether it be trapping and relocating the squirrels or using humane deterrents to keep them away.

Keep in mind that seeking professional help may come at a cost, but it could ultimately save you time and money in the long run. With their expertise and specialized equipment, professionals can address the root of the problem and prevent future damage from occurring. So don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you find yourself struggling to keep squirrels from chewing on your outdoor furniture.

Pros	Cons
Professional assessment and solution	Cost may be higher than DIY options
Prevents future damage	May require multiple visits or treatments
Specialized equipment and expertise	Squirrels may return if not properly excluded
Humane and ethical solutions	May require temporarily vacating the property during treatment
Saves time and effort	May not be necessary for less severe cases		Consultation with a professional wildlife removal service is recommended to determine the best course of action.