Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
How do I Prevent Squirrels from Crossing Power Lines?
How do I Prevent Squirrels from Crossing Power Lines?. Squirrels are adept climbers and use power lines as highways. Unbeknownst to many people, squirrels can cause electrical power outages. According to the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, wildlife is the nation's third leading identifiable cause of power...
Squirrels are adept climbers and use power lines as highways. Unbeknownst to many people, squirrels can cause electrical power outages. According to the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, wildlife is the nation's third leading identifiable cause of power problems. Blocking all access to power lines is key in preventing squirrels from crossing power lines.
Things You'll Need
Chainsaw
Ladder
Sheet metal
Wiring, bolts or nails
Store-brand squirrel repellent
Steel mesh wire
Trim all tree branches away from nearby buildings and power lines. Squirrels regularly access power lines by way of trees and buildings. Use a ladder and a chainsaw to trim away all branches hanging near buildings and power lines. Contact your utility company to come and trim away the branches if you're not physically able to do so.
Place sheet metal around all trees located near the power lines. The slippery surface of the sheet metal will prevent squirrels from climbing the trees and gaining access to power lines. Wrap the sheet metal around the tree and secure it in place with strong wiring, bolts or nails.
Spray a store-brand squirrel repellent, like Critter Ridder, on and around all utility poles and all trees to frighten or scare the squirrels from climbing and accessing the power lines. Purchase a squirrel repellent at hardware and pet stores.
Close all holes and openings in buildings with sheet metal or steel mesh wire. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, screening or blocking all potential entrance sites such as small gaps under the eaves, overlapping roof sections and knotholes can prevent squirrels' access to buildings.
Tips & Warnings
Since squirrels are able to jump from tree to tree, try and place sheet metal around as many trees as possible.
Prevent squirrels from jumping over the sheet metal on the tree by ensuring the sheet metal is at least three to five feet in height.
Reapply the squirrel repellent on a biweekly basis and after every rainy day for lasting success.
Climbing a ladder and using a chainsaw can be dangerous if not performed properly. If you don't think you'll be able to perform the task at hand, call your utility company to come out and complete the task instead.
