Squirrels are common backyard visitors, often observed gnawing on various wooden structures. This behavior is primarily for dental maintenance, not nutritional intake.
Reasons Behind Wood Chewing
Like other rodents, squirrels possess incisors that grow continuously throughout their lives, at an average rate of about six inches per year. These front teeth are covered with a hard, orange-tinted enamel, while the back of the incisors is softer, allowing for uneven wear that creates a chisel-like cutting edge. Consistent gnawing is necessary to wear down these rapidly growing teeth, preventing them from becoming overgrown, which can lead to severe issues like malocclusion.
This dental maintenance prevents their incisors from growing so long that they could penetrate the skull or jaw, or cause starvation. Wood offers an ideal material for this grinding process. Beyond dental care, squirrels may chew wood for other purposes, such as gathering material for nest construction, territorial marking, or to enlarge existing openings for access to shelter or food sources. They are known to chew through various materials, including wood, to create entry points into attics or other structures.
The Squirrel’s Actual Diet
Squirrels are omnivores, meaning their diet includes both plant and animal matter, though the majority of their food comes from plants. Their natural diet largely consists of nuts such as acorns, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds, along with various seeds. They also regularly consume fruits like apples, berries, and grapes, as well as vegetables, tender tree buds, and tree flowers.
Beyond plant-based foods, squirrels eat fungi and mushrooms. While wood is not a significant part of their nutritional intake, they may occasionally consume tree bark or sap, particularly when other food sources are scarce. Some species, like the Eastern Gray Squirrel, supplement their diet with animal-based material, including insects, bird eggs, small mammals, or carrion.
Strategies to Deter Wood Chewing
To discourage squirrels from chewing on wooden structures, several humane strategies can be employed. Applying deterrents that make the wood unappealing is a common approach. Capsaicin-based sprays, made from hot peppers, are effective as squirrels dislike the spicy taste and scent. A homemade solution can be created using hot sauce, water, and a small amount of dish soap to help it adhere to the surface.
Physical barriers offer a robust solution, such as wrapping the base of structures with metal mesh or applying metal flashing to vulnerable areas. Trimming overhanging tree branches can also prevent squirrels from easily accessing roofs or other parts of a home. Providing alternative gnawing materials, like untreated wood blocks or deer antlers placed away from your property, can redirect their chewing instincts.