Metal conduit sounds a bit much, but I get the temptation. I actually tried wrapping the cords in that split loom tubing—stuff you use for car wiring. It’s not bulletproof, but it slowed the squirrels down enough for me to catch them in the act. Drilling into old brick is a pain, though... I ended up using those heavy-duty outdoor adhesive hooks. Haven’t had any cords fall yet, and the brick’s still intact. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if the battle with nature is half the fun—or maybe I’m just stubborn.
Drilling into old brick is a pain, though... I ended up using those heavy-duty outdoor adhesive hooks. Haven’t had any cords fall yet, and the brick’s still intact.
I hear you on the brick—last time I tried to drill into mine, I ended up with a cloud of dust and a bit of a mess, not to mention a couple of holes that didn’t line up right. Those adhesive hooks are clever, but I’ve had mixed luck with them once the weather swings from hot to cold. Maybe it’s just my old house, but I’ve had a few peel off after a rough winter. If yours are holding up, that’s a win.
On the squirrel front, I’m not sure anything short of a steel cage would keep them out for good. I tried the split loom tubing too, but the little guys just saw it as a new challenge. Ended up switching to some cheap PVC pipe from the hardware store—cut a slit down one side and snapped it over the cords. Not the prettiest, but it’s tougher than the loom stuff and didn’t cost much. Plus, it keeps the rain off better than I expected.
Honestly, I get what you mean about the “battle with nature.” Sometimes I wonder if I’m spending more time outsmarting critters and weather than actually enjoying the lights. But then again, there’s something satisfying about finding a fix that doesn’t break the bank or wreck the house. Maybe stubbornness is just part of the deal when you’re trying to make things work without spending a fortune.
Anyway, if those adhesive hooks ever give out, you might try those masonry clips that grip the brick edges—no drilling needed. They’re not perfect, but they’ve saved me a few headaches.
Those masonry clips are a lifesaver, but I’ve had a few pop off when the temps swing or if the brick’s a little crumbly. Still beats drilling, though—last time I tried that, I ended up patching more holes than I made for the lights. Funny you mention PVC pipe; I did something similar last year after a squirrel chewed straight through my “weatherproof” cord cover. Not exactly pretty, but it’s held up better than anything else I’ve tried.
Honestly, half the time it feels like the lights are more for the squirrels’ entertainment than mine. I keep telling myself I’ll just skip it next year, but then the holidays roll around and there I am, back on the ladder. Curious—has anyone actually found a way to keep those adhesive hooks stuck through a full winter? Or is it just luck of the draw with how your wall faces the wind and sun?
Keeping String Lights Dry: Worth The Hassle?
Adhesive hooks and winter… that’s a combo I’ve never managed to make work for more than a couple weeks. I tried the “outdoor” ones with the red liner last December, and by New Year’s Eve half of them were dangling by the wires. My theory is the cold just makes the glue brittle, but maybe my north-facing wall doesn’t help either.
I’ve actually had better luck using those reusable zip ties around gutter brackets or anything that’ll give me an anchor point. Not exactly elegant, but at least they don’t leave sticky residue or holes everywhere. The squirrels seem to enjoy the challenge—caught one last year doing acrobatics trying to get at a bulb.
Honestly, every year I think about skipping it, too… but then I remember how much the kids love seeing the lights up when it gets dark at 4:30. Worth it for a few weeks of magic, even if it means wrestling with clips and critters.
I get the magic part, but honestly, after last year’s fiasco with waterlogged sockets and a blown fuse, I’m not convinced it’s worth the hassle. Tried the zip tie trick too—worked until a windstorm twisted the whole strand into a knot. Ended up spending more time untangling than enjoying. Maybe I’m just not cut out for outdoor lights, but I’d rather put a few battery candles in the windows and call it festive enough. Less drama, fewer squirrel shenanigans.