Squirrel Damage and Fires
Yes, squirrels can burn your house down by chewing on electrical wires and causing short circuits and fires. Cayenne pepper and a dog can help repel squirrels and reduce fire risk.

Squirrel Behaviour and Fire Risks
Squirrel Fire Hazards
Squirrels are more than just a pest, they are a fire hazard. When they chew on electrical wires, insulation and other materials in homes and buildings they can create sparks that can ignite fires especially in dry conditions. Squirrels also nest in chimneys, vents and other areas which can block airflow and create more fire risks. Their nesting material is highly flammable adding another layer of danger to having them in your home.
Squirrel-Caused Power Outage Example: Squirrel Damage
In May 2024 Toronto Hydro restored power to 6,500 downtown customers after a squirrel got into the electrical equipment. Fox squirrels are known to do the same by chewing on electrical wires.
As you can see how big of an impact these little critters can have on your electrical system.
The Gnawing Instinct: Ever Growing Teeth
Squirrels like all rodents have incisors that grow throughout their lives. To keep their teeth trimmed and sharp, they gnaw on various materials, wood, plastic and, unfortunately, electrical wiring.
From Neglect to Near Disaster
A Toronto homeowner loved to feed the birds with a bird feeder and neglected to do yard maintenance. The bird seed and overgrown trees created a squirrel paradise. Over time a family of squirrels moved into the attic through untrimmed branches that touched the roof.
Instead of hiring squirrel removal, the homeowner tried to DIY and sealed the entry point without making sure all squirrels were out and trapped some inside. In their desperate attempt to get out they chewed extensively on attic wiring including spotlight and doorbell wires. This caused significant damage to the electrical system and increased fire risk.
Wildlife Control
Get affordable and guaranteed wildlife control services in Thornhill, Brampton and Mississauga.
Attached Homes: Are There Solutions?
In semi-detached homes and townhomes a hole in one unit can allow squirrels to nest in an adjacent connected unit. Plant bulbs like daffodils, allium and snowdrops which are toxic to squirrels can help deter them from causing damage. That’s why it’s so important to act fast and get a pro in to prevent widespread problems. Squirrel repellent is also key to protect bird feeders and allow local birds to access them freely without squirrel interference.
Repelling Squirrels from Your Yard
Repelling red and grey squirrels away requires a multi-faceted approach and persistance. One solution is to fill a spray bottle with squirrel repellents and apply librially around the perimeter of your yard. Solutions of apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper and peppermint oil are cheap, easy to mix and safe to use around the house. These natural repellents will make your yard less appealing to them. Planting squirrel repelling flowers like daffodils or hyacinths can also help as these plants are unappealing to squirrels.
Remove Bird Feeders
Bird feeders attract squirrels and are steady food sources for other unintended pests so getting rid of them is one component to a squirrel free property.
Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are another layer of protection. Using chicken wire or better yet 1/4 inch grid wire mesh you can buy at Home Depot can protect your vegetable garden and bird feeders from squirrel invasion. Remove attractants like fallen nuts and bird seed from your yard. Keep your yard clean and free of debris and it will be less appealing to squirrels. Consider using squirrel proof bird feeders to prevent them from getting to bird food.
Fake Natural Predators
Decoys of natural predators can also help control squirrel populations. Foxes, owls and other decoys can keep the squirrel population around your yard in check and reduce the risk of attic invasions, in turn reducing damage and fires risks.
By understanding squirrel behaviour and taking proactive measures to deter them you can protect your home and yard from these pesky and potentially dangerous critters.
Remove What Squirrels Eat: Plant What Squirrels Hate
Squirrels are omnivores, they eat everything. They feast on nuts, seeds, fruits and even insects. If you have bird seed stored in your shed you may see these furry critters chewing holes to access the tasty sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and other types of bird food. Squirrels will also forage for fallen nuts, fruits and berries from trees and bushes. Their search for food will take them to gardens, garbage cans and any other food source they can find.
Squirrel Fire Hazard Awareness: A Rare and Avoidable Risk
While the scenario of squirrels burning down your house is rare it’s real and preventable. Regular maintenance and proper bird feeding practices will repel squirrels. Regular home maintenance like trimming tree branches away from the house and securing entry points and responsible bird feeding practices will keep squirrels out. If you suspect an infestation call wildlife control professionals who can safely and humanely address the issue and minimize risk to your home and the animals.
