Squirrel-chewed wires are a fire hazard, plain and simple. Squirrels gnaw on wiring because their front teeth keep growing and chewing keeps them worn down. The result is exposed copper inside your walls or attic that can arc, spark, and start a fire.
If you find chewed wiring, your first call is a licensed electrician. Here is what to do right now, how the repair goes, and how to keep squirrels from doing it again.
The Short Version
- Cut power to the circuit at the breaker immediately.
- Call a licensed electrician to assess and repair the damage.
- Protect repaired wiring with metal conduit or chew-resistant sleeving.
- Seal entry points with 1/4 inch hardware cloth so it doesn’t happen again.
Why Chewed Wires Are Dangerous
Squirrels chew through the insulation to get at the copper, which they can’t actually eat. The damage is indirect: exposed copper can short against building material, which creates heat, arcing, and fire.
Signs of chewed wiring include flickering lights, tripped breakers, and a burning smell near attic access points. If you see any of those, take it seriously.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Turn off power to the circuit at the main panel, and label it so nobody turns it back on by accident.
- Don’t touch the wires. Even with the power off, damaged wire has sharp copper ends.
- Take photos of the damage for your insurance claim.
- Call a licensed electrician. DIY repairs on chewed wiring are dangerous and may break local electrical code.
How the Repair Goes
An electrician will usually do one of these:
- Wire replacement. The safest option. The damaged section gets cut out and replaced with new wire, joined in a junction box.
- Heat-shrink tubing. For minor insulation damage where the copper is intact, this can restore the insulation layer.
- Splice in a junction box. For an accessible damaged section.
After the repair, the electrician may add arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to that circuit as extra protection against future arcing.
| Protection method | Effectiveness | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Metal conduit (EMT) | Excellent | Permanent protection for exposed wiring |
| Chew-resistant sleeving | Moderate | Flexible protection where conduit won’t fit |
| Capsaicin wire tape | Moderate | Temporary deterrent, needs reapplying |
| 1/4 inch hardware cloth | Excellent | Sealing entry points at the source |
Squirrels Chew Car Wires Too
A lot of people find out about this the hard way when their car won’t start. Squirrels chew wiring harnesses, hoses, and lines under the hood, and some manufacturers use soy-based wire coatings that rodents seem to like. If squirrels are hitting your car, park it in a garage when you can, and talk to a mechanic about an under-hood deterrent or shield. The same fix applies: keep them out rather than just repairing what they ate.
Preventing Future Chewing
Once the wires are fixed, stop the next squirrel before it starts.
- Run exposed wiring through metal conduit (EMT or flexible metal conduit). Squirrels can’t chew through metal.
- Use chew-resistant sleeving where conduit is impractical.
- Seal every entry point with 1/4 inch hardware cloth and galvanized steel flashing.
- Watch for activity. A motion camera in the attic catches squirrels early, before they do more damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Electrical tape is not a permanent fix for chewed wiring. It degrades, and the damaged conductor can still arc or overheat. Only a licensed electrician should do a permanent repair.
Flickering lights, tripped breakers, a burning smell near the attic, and visible gnaw marks on insulation are the main signs. If you find chewed wires, cut the circuit and call an electrician.
Yes. Galvanized steel conduit and flexible metal conduit are fully squirrel-proof, because squirrel teeth can’t get through metal. It is the most reliable protection for exposed wiring in attics and crawl spaces.
Many standard policies cover sudden damage from squirrels, including chewed wiring, but some exclude damage from pests the homeowner ignored. Document the damage with photos and call your insurer right away.
Bottom Line
Squirrel-chewed wires are a fire risk you can’t ignore. Cut the circuit, call an electrician, and seal the entry points while the repair is underway. For the long term, run exposed wiring through metal conduit and exclude the squirrels with 1/4 inch hardware cloth. The cost of a proper repair is nothing next to the risk of a house fire.
