Squirrels are cute, quirky animals that can drive homeowners crazy with their destruction of plants and structures. Squirrels eat away at siding in an effort to get inside your home to build nests.

Can squirrels eat through vinyl siding?

Besides prominent incisors, squirrels and other rodents have extra strong jaws to help with gnawing. Squirrels will chew on many items around homes including wood, aluminum, lead, copper, plastic, vinyl siding, sheet rock, asphalt, and mortar, virtually anything that is softer than the hard enamel on their teeth.

Do squirrels eat vinyl?

At a recent service call we found evidence of aggressive chewing right through the siding and into the attic and wall spaces. A female squirrel (who subsequently gave birth to a litter) chewed an unusual amount of vinyl siding around an entry point. We’re not exactly sure why squirrels sometime chew to the extreme.

What is a good squirrel repellent?

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell, which they use food sources and shelter. You can repel squirrels using scents they hate such as, capsaicin, white vinegar, peppermint oil, coffee grounds, cinnamon, predator urine, garlic, dryer sheets, Irish Spring Soap, and rosemary.

What causes holes in vinyl siding?

Ice storms and hail can penetrate the siding and cause smaller and larger holes, high winds, on the other hand, are capable of tearing your vinyl siding; thus, causing holes. Even though you know about the negative effects these weather conditions can have on your siding, there is very little you can do to stop it.

How do I keep squirrels from chewing my siding?

Apply capsaicin, a taste repellent, to areas of siding that show signs of chewing. Capsaicin is a chemical found in chili peppers. It is a naturally occurring substance that animals tend to avoid and is available as a spray, liquid or granular formulation.