Squirrel Chew Through Siding | Assist From Shrub
At Frontline Animal Removal, we regularly deal with clever and persistent squirrels. These little critters are highly resourceful when it comes to finding ways into homes in the Canton, Akron, and Kent, Ohio areas.
This week, we want to highlight a case where squirrels used both their chewing abilities and a nearby shrub to invade a home.
Siding Is No Match for Squirrels
Squirrels have powerful front teeth that grow continuously, and they put them to work when seeking a cozy nesting spot.
As experienced wildlife removal specialists, we’ve seen squirrels chew through wood, vinyl, and even aluminum siding.
Once they decide your attic or wall space is the perfect nesting area, they’ll do whatever it takes to get in. Some squirrels make small, precise holes, while others chew large, ragged openings.
When squirrels chew through siding, the best course of action is a two-step process: removal and repair.
After trapping and removing the squirrels, we ensure the entry point is repaired with durable materials that prevent future access. Blocking the hole without removing the squirrels often leads to more problems, as the animals will simply create a new entrance nearby.
Shrubs Create Easy Access
In addition to their chewing abilities, squirrels are excellent climbers. They take advantage of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation close to houses to access roofs and siding.
In this week’s case, a dense shrub growing next to the house served as a convenient launching pad for squirrels to reach the siding and begin their destructive work.
Take a look at this video where Ryan found a chewing squirrel and blocked it in. He also shows the shrub that is a part of this problem.
Why do shrubs and trees close to buildlings matter?
- Access: Vegetation acts as a natural bridge, giving squirrels an easy path to your roof or siding.
- Safety: Dense shrubs provide squirrels with cover from predators, making them feel safe as they explore your property.
- Encouragement: The easier it is for squirrels to get close to your home, the more likely they are to investigate weak points, such as siding, vents, or roof edges.
The Importance of Trimming Vegetation
Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed back at least 10 feet from your home is a simple but crucial step in preventing squirrel intrusions. While squirrels are excellent jumpers, they’re not comfortable making long leaps. By creating distance between vegetation and your home, you reduce the chances of squirrels accessing your roof and chewing their way inside.
We’ve repeatedly seen how untrimmed trees and shrubs contribute to squirrel problems. Homeowners often call us after squirrels have caused extensive damage, only to realize the issue could have been prevented with proper vegetation management.
Removal, Repair, and Prevention
At Frontline Animal Removal, we specialize in removing nuisance squirrels, repairing the damage they cause, and implementing exclusion strategies to prevent future problems.
While we don’t offer tree-trimming services, we strongly recommend keeping vegetation away from your home as part of your squirrel prevention plan.
If squirrels have already chewed through your siding, don’t wait to address the problem. These persistent animals can cause further damage and even make their way into your attic or walls.
We’ll remove the squirrels, repair the entry points, and ensure your home is secure.
Serving Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties, we’re here to help you with all your wildlife removal and repair needs. If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem—or want to prevent one—give us a call today.
