How To Stop Squirrels From Chewing Christmas Lights

Squirrels are cute until they chew through your Christmas lights like they’re part of their daily snack routine. 

You go to all this effort putting up your lights, making your house look like a scene from a holiday movie, and then there’s a dark patch in the middle of your tree. Thanks, squirrels.

So if you’re tired of spending money on new lights every year or constantly repairing chewed-up cords, this post is for you!

We’ll show you exactly how to stop squirrels from chewing Christmas lights.

#1. Apply A Repellent

The easiest way to stop squirrels from chewing Christmas lights is to spray the lights with something squirrels hate. 

They’re smart little guys, but also super sensitive to taste and smell. So when they bite into something gross, they usually think twice before coming back.

You can buy repellent sprays made specifically for rodents and squirrels. 

Look for ones with capsaicin (that spicy stuff in hot peppers) or bittering agents. They’re non-toxic but extremely unpleasant for animals.

Also Read: Cat Chewing On Christmas Lights

If you’re more of a DIY type, mix up a homemade spray. A combo of water, a bit of dish soap, and some cayenne pepper or hot sauce works great. Some people like adding peppermint oil too, since that strong scent tends to drive critters nuts (in a bad way).

Just spray it directly on the wires and you’re done.

Make sure to reapply every few days, especially if it rains or snows.

#2. Protect The Wires

Another reliable option is to physically block their teeth. 

You can slip your light strands into clear vinyl tubing, split-loom tubing, or even run them through plastic conduit. These covers act like armor and make it almost impossible for squirrels to chew. 

It takes a bit more setup at first, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind if you’ve had squirrels go after your decorations year after year. 

On top of that, the tubing also helps protect your lights from rain, snow, and general wear, so they tend to last longer overall. 

Think of it as a double layer of protection: your lights look great, and the squirrels stay out of the picture.

Also Read: Are Christmas Lights Waterproof?

#3. Use Deterring Scents

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell. You can use that to your advantage.

Certain scents just drive them crazy. In a bad way. 

Peppermint oil is a big one. You can soak cotton balls in it and tuck them near your light displays. It smells like Christmas to us, but to a squirrel, it’s a “get outta here” sign.

Vinegar works too, but it’s a bit… pungent. Not everyone wants their front porch smelling like a salad. Another option is garlic. Some people swear by garlic powder sprinkled around the base of trees or bushes!

You can also buy commercial deterrent granules that smell bad to critters but are safe for pets and people. 

The idea here is to create a zone they don’t want to be in. This will stop squirrels from chewing Christmas lights.

#4. Remove Attractants

If your yard is squirrel paradise, no amount of peppermint oil is gonna stop them. So it helps to remove the stuff that makes them want to hang around in the first place.

First up: bird feeders. Squirrels love them. 

If you’ve got one nearby, it’s basically an open buffet for them. Either take it down while your lights are up, or switch to a squirrel-proof version.

Also, keep the yard tidy. Fallen acorns, nuts, fruits – those are free snacks for squirrels. 

Rake often. And if you’ve got trees near your house, trim back the branches. Squirrels use them like highways. Cut their path and they’ll be less likely to drop in for a bite of your string lights.

Basically, make your yard less of a hangout spot. If there’s nothing good to eat or climb, they won’t stick around.

Also Read: Where To Place Landscape Lighting?

#5. Switch To Squirrel-Resistant Lights

Yeah, this is a thing. 

Some Christmas lights are built to be tougher and less chewable. They use thicker cords or rubber coatings that squirrels find less appealing.

Look for LED lights with heavy-duty wiring. Bonus: they’re also energy-efficient and last longer. 

Some brands even advertise their lights as “critter-resistant,” which is exactly what you want.

It might cost a little more upfront, but it can save you a lot of frustration and cash down the line. If you’ve been dealing with this problem year after year, it’s probably worth the upgrade.

#6. Motion Detectors / Ultrasonic Repellers

Want to freak out a squirrel without lifting a finger? Technology’s got your back.

Motion-activated devices can work wonders. Things like sprinklers that spray when something moves nearby, or lights that suddenly flash, or even little speakers that emit high-frequency sounds only animals can hear.

These tools are super useful if you’ve got lights in trees, bushes, or anywhere squirrels like to explore. A quick zap of water or a loud noise usually sends them running. 

Plus, they’ll remember and avoid that area after a few surprises.

Just make sure whatever you use is outdoor-safe and weatherproof. There’s a lot of gear out there now specifically for this kind of pest control.

What NOT To Do

Now let’s talk about what not to try. 

First off, skip the poison. It’s dangerous, often illegal, and totally inhumane and unnecessary. It can hurt pets, other animals, and even people.

The same goes for traps. You don’t want to get into the whole mess of capturing squirrels or accidentally hurting one. Plus, it doesn’t solve the problem – more squirrels will just show up.

And don’t count on fake owls or plastic snakes. Unless you’re constantly moving them around, squirrels will figure out they’re fake. They’re not easily fooled for long.

Please stick to the safe, kind, and effective methods.

Bottom Line

Squirrels chewing on Christmas lights is one of those weirdly common holiday headaches. But it doesn’t have to ruin your vibe. 

Start with some repellent spray. Add a little wire protection. Keep the area clean and throw in a few peppermint cotton balls. If they’re still not getting the hint, tech options like motion sensors and stronger lights can be the final push.

The key is to make your lights annoying and unappetizing.

Once they realize it’s not worth the trouble, they’ll move on to less defended yards.