Squirrels, common rodents, are frequently observed chewing on plastic. This behavior, while perplexing, is rooted in their biology and instincts. Understanding these motivations explains why they interact with our manufactured world.
The Primary Drive: Dental Health
Squirrels are rodents with continuously growing incisor teeth. These four front teeth grow an average of 6 inches per year. To prevent overgrowth, which would impede eating or cause injury, squirrels must constantly gnaw on hard objects.
This perpetual chewing wears down their teeth, keeping them at a functional length and maintaining sharp cutting edges. The front surface of a squirrel’s incisors is covered in hard, orange enamel, while the back is softer, allowing for uneven wear that creates a chisel-like shape. If not worn down, their teeth can grow excessively, sometimes penetrating the skull or jaw.
Beyond Teeth: Other Motivations for Chewing Plastic
While dental maintenance is a primary reason, squirrels chew on plastic for other specific reasons. Their natural curiosity leads them to explore their environment with their mouths. This exploratory chewing helps them investigate if an object is a food source or useful for nesting.
Squirrels may chew plastic to access perceived food or water. They gnaw through plastic garbage bins, bird feeders, or storage containers to reach edible contents. They might also chew on garden hoses or irrigation lines for water. Some plastics with appealing coatings can attract squirrels due to their scent or taste.
Squirrels might incorporate plastic into their nests. Shredded plastic can be used as nesting material, especially in urban areas where natural alternatives are less abundant. The widespread availability of plastic items like garden furniture, electrical wires, and vehicle parts makes them accessible targets.
Protecting Your Property
To mitigate squirrel chewing on plastic, several strategies can be employed. Removing attractants is an effective first step, including securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids and using squirrel-proof bird feeders. Regularly cleaning up food spills and debris reduces temptation.
Physical barriers offer direct protection for vulnerable plastic items. Covering garden hoses, electrical wires, or car parts with metal mesh or PVC piping creates a chew-resistant shield. For rooflines or utility poles, installing baffles prevents squirrels from accessing wires. Trimming tree branches away from your house can remove easy access points.
Applying repellents to plastic surfaces can deter chewing. Capsaicin-based sprays create an unpleasant taste squirrels dislike. Natural options like peppermint oil, garlic, or vinegar can be sprayed on affected areas, though they may require frequent reapplication. Providing alternative, safe chewing materials, such as untreated wood blocks, can divert squirrels. If significant damage persists, consult a pest control professional for targeted solutions.