Author: Melody Smith

A big let down to many planned events in the Sothwestern region is finding out too late that the outdoor lights that were set up earlier have been sabotaged. While at first these incidents were thought of as vile pranks by some nasty neighbors who have an axe to grind against the homeowner ot the celebrant, local investigations revealed that the real culprits were small nuisance creatures. The likeliest of which are the gray squirrels, which Animal Control Officers say, have a penchant for chewing on electrical wires.

In most Southwestern states particularly Texas, which has the largest population of grey squirrels, the animals can be seen scampering across streets and outside of households. In a worst case scenario, some even use attics as breeding grounds; perhaps if after some scouting, a particular attic presented the safest place in which to bring out squirrel litter.

However, a major problem with gray squirrels and other wildlife nuisance like raccoons, and rabbits, is that they have developed a liking for electrical wires and cables. Those located outdoors are more accessible and because some Christmas outdoor lights are shaped like nuts, some squirrels also took off with some of these light bulbs.

What is It About Electrical Wires that Make It Attractive to Squirrels?

According to Forbes Magazine, which took interest in finding out what makes electrical wires attractive to squirrels — the likeliest answer to the question is the soy-based materials in use as coating for the electrical wires.

It also explains why aside from decorative outdoor lights, squirrels, raccoons and rodents find parked automobiles attractive because there’s a whole lot of electrical wirings available inside. It’s even worse, if the car’s upholstery is made from soy-based materials because the entire space is a smorgasbord of chewables that meet the liking of this nuisance wildlife.

Actually, the need for these creatures to chew on something is not just out of hunger but of the necessity to prevent their teeth from growing too long. It turns out that these species of rodents have constantly growing teeth, which they need to maintain at a practical length. In forests, there’s an abundance of tree barks, twigs and sticks to chew on; but perhaps for these creature, nothing compares to the savory taste of soy-based coating materials.

The chewing exercise also makes their teeth sharper, and capable of cutting wires cleanly like a knife or scissor. Although squirrels in San Antonio, Texas are generally harmless, it would be safer for homeowners to call an expert technician from a San Antonio squirrel removal company. These firms not only safely remove squirrels from yards and attics but also help homeowners find a solution to keep the nuisance creatures from coming back.

Texas Laws to Keep in Mind When Confronted with Wildlife Nuisance Problems

Squirrel removal experts will use humane methods of trapping the animals and as a way to prevent them from coming back, they will seal all possible entry points inside homes will be sealed. In Texas, the removal company will not just release the squirrel back in the forest but will have to call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The wildlife managers will in turn give guidance on where to relocate and release the captured grey squirrels. The purpose of which is to make sure the nuisance animals will not pose as threats to other smaller species of wildlife. .

Take note that there are laws protecting these animals, which means even if the animals caused damages to a property or ruined a perfectly planned outdoor wedding, one cannot just shoot them because they can be killed during hunting seasons. Shooting squirrels in residential areas is a different circumstance, as doing so will put other people’s lives in danger.