Want the pros to handle it?
What Can Squirrels Chew Through? (Almost Everything You Own)
Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing and a work ethic that never stops either. If you’ve ever wondered whether a squirrel can get through something, the answer is probably “watch me.”
Quick answer: Squirrels can chew through wood, vinyl siding, plastic, rubber, foam, electrical wire insulation, screens and thin aluminum vents. They can’t chew through galvanized steel mesh, heavy-gauge metal flashing or masonry — which is what we use to seal them out.
| Material | Can a squirrel chew it? |
|---|---|
| Wood (fascia, soffits, roof returns) | ✅ Yes — their favorite way in |
| Vinyl siding and soffits | ✅ Yes |
| Plastic vents and covers | ✅ Yes, quickly |
| Expanding foam, caulk | ✅ Yes, like a snack |
| Window screen, thin aluminum | ✅ Yes |
| Electrical wire insulation | ✅ Yes — a real fire risk |
| Galvanized steel mesh (heavy gauge) | ❌ No |
| Metal flashing, sheet metal | ❌ No |
| Brick, block, concrete | ❌ No (but they’ll look for gaps in the mortar) |
Wires: Squirrels chewing attic wiring is a known cause of electrical problems and fires. Flickering lights or dead outlets plus attic noise = get it checked.
See how we seal: squirrel proofing · squirrel damage to soffits and fascia · squirrel fun facts
Watch: how we seal squirrels out
Something chewing your house? Silver Bullet Pest Control handles squirrel removal, steel sealing and damage repair across Bergen, Passaic and Essex counties. Call 973-510-2585, text us, or request a free quote.
What to look for
More about squirrels
- 20 Fun Facts About Squirrels
- Do Squirrels Remember Where They Bury Nuts??
- Do Squirrels Hibernate??
- Who Gets Rid of Squirrels??
- All pest questions, answered
Fun facts about other pests
- 21 Fun Facts About Ants
- 20 Fun Facts About Bees and Wasps
- 20 Fun Facts About Mice
- 18 Fun Facts About Rats
- 18 Fun Facts About Cockroaches
- Waterbug vs. Cockroach: Fun Facts
Common questions
Can squirrels chew through wood?
Yes. Fascia, soffits and roof corners are the most common places they chew into homes.
Can squirrels chew through metal?
They can chew thin aluminum and screens, but not galvanized steel mesh or heavy metal flashing.
Can squirrels chew through expanding foam?
Yes, easily. Foam alone never keeps squirrels out.
Do squirrels chew electrical wires?
Yes, which can damage wiring and create a fire risk.
Schedule today
Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.