Squirrels - Ask Extension
We have had squirrels chew through metal mesh covers around our solar panels, make a nest under them and destroy the wiring. We have removed the nest...
Knowledgebase
Squirrels #890813
Asked December 15, 2024, 1:47 PM EST
We have had squirrels chew through metal mesh covers around our solar panels, make a nest under them and destroy the wiring. We have removed the nesting material and the solar company will replace the wiring tomorrow. How can we avoid this in the future? They are still going on the roof of our house and our neighbors houses.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
I'm sorry that this response is coming after the solar company replaced the wiring damaged by squirrels. It would seem that the solar company would be familiar with this problem and have suggestions for stronger metal mesh covers surrounding the solar panels.
Squirrels can be very tenacious and damage plants and even hard structures as you have experienced. When dealing with nuisance squirrels one of the usual response is to apply repellents that contain capsaicin. However, repellants need to be reapplied frequently which is not practical for solar panels. The alternative would be to install stronger metal siding around your solar panels.
You may want to contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife to see if they have a list of recommended exterminators for nuisance squirrels.
Squirrels can be very tenacious and damage plants and even hard structures as you have experienced. When dealing with nuisance squirrels one of the usual response is to apply repellents that contain capsaicin. However, repellants need to be reapplied frequently which is not practical for solar panels. The alternative would be to install stronger metal siding around your solar panels.
You may want to contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife to see if they have a list of recommended exterminators for nuisance squirrels.
