If you enjoy spending time in your backyard, then nothing can be more annoying than a pesky squirrel coming around and gnawing away at your outdoor lights. Do you have a problem with outdoor lights being chewed on by pesky squirrels?
You’re not alone! It’s an all-too-common issue, particularly during winter months when these critters look for food and shelter. Not only can it be frustrating, but it also costs money to replace the fixtures or wiring that have been damaged.
However, there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening again in the future. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why squirrels find outdoor lights so appealing and provide tips on how to stop squirrels from chewing outdoor lights once and for all. Read on to learn more about how you can keep your outdoor light fixtures safe while deterring these intruders!
Why Do Squirrels Chew Outdoor Lights?
1. Provide Shelter
One of the main reasons why squirrels are drawn to outdoor lights is because they provide a convenient source of heat and shelter. In cold winter months, the warmth coming from the lightbulbs can be enticing for these critters, so they’ll often try to get closer to them by chewing through wiring or fixtures. Additionally, some squirrels might even see your outdoor light as a potential place to build their nest.
2. Find Food
Squirrels may also be drawn to outdoor lights because they are looking for food, especially during late autumn and winter when sources of nourishment outside become scarce. The insects and other critters that are attracted to the light can be an easy meal for these rodents, so they’ll often try to chew through fixtures to get closer to them.
Required Items
1. Squirrel-proof Outdoor Light Fixtures
The primary step to prevent squirrels from chewing on your outdoor lights is to switch out any standard fixtures with ones that are designed to be squirrel-proof. Look for a model that features a metal shield or guard around the bulb and wiring that is strong enough to deter gnawing and burrowing critters.
2. Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to deter squirrels from getting too close to your outdoor light fixtures and wiring. These devices detect movement and then spray out a flow of water, which will startle the critters away. Additionally, they’ll help keep other pests, such as moles and gophers, away as well.
3. Repellents
Using a non-toxic animal repellent is another great tool for keeping squirrels away from your outdoor lights. Look for an all-natural or organic formula that is specifically designed to be safe around plants and other wildlife while still being effective at deterring rodents and other pests. You can apply these repellents around your fixtures or directly on the wiring to create a barrier that will prevent squirrels from getting too close.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep those pesky squirrels away from your outdoor lights and enjoy your time outside without being disturbed by them.
10 Instructions on How to Stop Squirrels From Chewing Outdoor Lights
1. Install Protective Covers
One of the best ways to prevent squirrels from chewing on your outdoor lights is by installing protective covers that will make it difficult for them to access the wiring or lightbulbs. Make sure to get a model that is designed specifically for outdoor use and is strong enough to deter gnawing critters.
2. Apply Repellents
Using an all-natural animal repellent can also help keep squirrels away from your outdoor lights. Look for a product that has been formulated specifically to be safe around plants, wildlife, and other elements of your backyard. Apply it directly on the wiring and around the fixtures for maximum protection.
3. Keep Your Yard Clear
Make sure to keep your yard free from debris, piles of leaves, and other items that may attract squirrels or provide shelter for them. Cleaning up the area regularly will help deter these critters from getting too close to your outdoor lights and wiring.
4. Trim Branches
Trimming branches close to your outdoor lights will also help discourage squirrels from getting too close by eliminating potential pathways for them to access the fixtures. Make sure you use pruning shears that are specifically designed for trimming trees or shrubs so you don’t damage their limbs in the process.
5. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Motion-activated sprinklers are a great way to scare away squirrels and other pests while keeping your outdoor lights safe from damage. These devices detect movement and then spray out a flow of water, which will startle the critters away. Additionally, they’ll help keep other pesky critters, such as moles and gophers, away as well.
6. Block Access Points
If you’ve noticed any holes or crevices around your outdoor light fixtures, make sure to fill them up with caulk or other materials that will be difficult for squirrels to chew through. This will help prevent these critters from getting into the wiring and chewing on your fixtures.
7. Keep Lids Tightly Closed
If you have any outdoor lights with exposed wiring, make sure to keep the lids tightly closed at all times. This will help prevent squirrels from accessing it and chewing on the wiring inside.
8. Use Deterrents
You can also try using deterrents such as ammonia-soaked rags or items with powerful scents to keep squirrels away from your outdoor lights. These will help create an unpleasant environment that critters will want to avoid.
9. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Another option is to use ultrasonic devices, which emit a high-frequency sound that critters don’t like and will deter them from getting too close to your outdoor lights.
10. Change Your Bulbs
If you’re still having issues with squirrels chewing on your outdoor lights, try switching out the bulbs for ones that are less attractive to these critters. Opt for LED bulbs that produce a cooler light as opposed to halogen or incandescent bulbs, which may be more enticing to them.
By following these steps, you should be able to keep squirrels from damaging your outdoor lights and enjoy the outdoors without being disturbed by these pesky critters.
6 Additional Tips to Prevent Squirrels Attack on Outdoor Lights
1. Install Motion Detectors.
Installing motion detectors around your outdoor light fixtures can be an effective way to deter squirrels from approaching them and causing damage. The lights will turn on when a squirrel approaches, startling it away and preventing it from coming back.
2. Utilize a Squirrel Baffle or Guard.
Installing a baffle or guard around your outdoor lights is an effective way to stop squirrels from getting close enough to damage them. The cylindrical shape of these devices helps prevent squirrels from climbing up and getting access to the fixture.
3. Clear Away Debris and Foliage Near the Light.
Squirrels may use nearby trees, shrubs, and bushes to get close enough to chew on the light fixture. Clear away any foliage that’s within a few feet of your outdoor lights so squirrels will have difficulty getting access to them.
4. Install Protective Covers or Cages Over the Lights.
Installing a cage or cover around your outdoor lights is another effective way to protect them from squirrels. This will make it more difficult for the squirrels to get close enough to chew on the fixture and also prevent them from getting stuck between the wires of the light if they do manage to get there.
5. Apply a Deterrent Spray or Powder Near the Lights.
Applying an animal-safe repellent spray or powder to the area around your outdoor lights is another effective way to deter squirrels from getting too close. These products contain a mixture of ingredients that make it unpleasant for the squirrels and will help keep them away.
6. Reduce Sources of Food and Water in Your Yard.
Squirrels are unlikely to hang around an area if there’s no food or water source nearby. Reduce sources of food and water in your yard by removing bird feeders, eliminating standing water, and cleaning up any debris or fallen fruit.
These eight tips should help you prevent squirrels from damaging your outdoor lights. With a bit of effort, you can keep your light fixtures safe and working properly for years to come.
Conclusion
Taking the time to learn a few techniques for deterring squirrels from gnawing at outdoor lights can pay off quickly. Investing in strong, shielded cords and brightness sensors can mean fewer replacements and less money wasted.
Making feeds inaccessible is an important factor, but you’ll want to be diligent about ensuring your outdoor lights are safe for animals. Consider using motion-activated water sprinklers or guards you can easily attach to outdoor fixtures as well.
Follow these steps on how to stop squirrels from chewing outdoor lights, and in no time, your outdoor spaces will remain protected from nibbling squirrels and their escapades!
So if you find yourself needing some help on how to stop squirrels from chewing on your outdoor lights, then take time to act now and get the protection you need. You can make a difference in helping to keep your outdoor lighting safe while also keeping our little rodent friends away!
