Squirrels are some of the most common backyard critters. They are known for their cuteness and energy, but they can also cause a lot of damage to your outdoor lighting.
Squirrels will often chew on electrical wires, plastic light covers and even metal fixtures in an effort to get to the tasty insulation inside. The damage they cause can be expensive and dangerous, so it’s important to understand why they do it and what you can do to prevent it.
The most likely reason why squirrels chew on outdoor lights is that they are looking for a source of food. Squirrels are omnivores, meaning that they eat both plant and animal matter.
They often come across electrical wiring when searching for nuts, seeds, and other small snacks. Because of their sharp teeth, squirrels can easily gnaw through the insulation surrounding the wires and then get to the tasty treats inside.
Squirrels may also be attracted to your outdoor lights because of their bright colors or shiny surfaces. These features may look like potential nesting material or something that could provide warmth during cold winter months. In addition, squirrels may find these items attractive because of their scent or texture.
How To Prevent Squirrel Damage
To prevent squirrel damage, you should start by removing any potential food sources from your yard such as fallen fruit or nuts. You should also inspect your outdoor lights regularly for signs of chewing or damage and repair or replace them as soon as possible.
You can also make your outdoor lights less appealing by adding a layer of plastic wrap around them or coating them with a hot sauce mixture.
Finally, you can install motion-activated sprinklers in your yard which will startle any squirrels that come near them, discouraging them from returning in the future.
Although it’s not always possible to prevent squirrels from damaging your outdoor lights completely, taking the above steps can help minimize the damage they cause and save you money in repairs or replacement costs.
Conclusion:
Squirrels chew on outdoor lights because they are looking for a source of food or nesting materials. To prevent this type of damage, homeowners should remove potential food sources from their yards, inspect their lights regularly for signs of chewing or damage, add layers of plastic wrap around them or coat them with hot sauce mixture and install motion-activated sprinklers in their yards which will startle any squirrel that comes near them discouraging them from returning in the future.
