Squirrels don’t actually eat electrical wires, but they do chew on them for a couple of reasons:
- Rodent Teeth: Like all rodents, squirrels’ incisors (front teeth) never stop growing. Chewing on hard objects helps them keep their teeth at a manageable length and prevents them from becoming overgrown. Wires provide a readily available and seemingly sturdy material for them to gnaw on.
- Material Mishap: The insulation on modern electrical wires is often made from plant-based materials like soy or cellulose. These can resemble natural food sources for squirrels, especially when combined with the act of chewing (which can release hidden scents). A curious squirrel might start chewing to investigate the potential food source,only to discover it’s not as tasty as they thought.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the reasons:
- Need to Grind Teeth: Their ever-growing incisors need constant gnawing to maintain proper length.
- Insulation Appealing: Plant-based insulation can look and smell like food to squirrels.
- Chewing Leads to Discovery: Once they start chewing, they realize it’s not food.
However, this chewing behavior can be dangerous for both the squirrels and your electrical system. Exposed wires can cause shocks or electrocution for the squirrels, and damaged wires pose a fire hazard for your home.
