Wildlife Removal Company

Squirrels and the Dangers They Pose to Homeowners

Squirrels may seem like cute, harmless creatures, but when they invade your home, they can pose a significant threat to your property and your safety. Although often seen running through trees or darting across power lines, squirrels have a unique ability to infiltrate homes and buildings in search of food, warmth, and shelter. Understanding the dangers squirrels pose to homeowners can help you take preventative action before costly damage or health risks arise.

1. Structural Damage to Your Home

One of the most common issues homeowners face when squirrels invade is structural damage. Squirrels often enter attics, crawl spaces, and walls through small openings, usually seeking a warm place to nest during the colder months. Once inside, they can cause substantial damage. Here’s how:

• Chewing on Electrical Wires: Squirrels have sharp teeth that never stop growing, which is why they constantly chew on things to keep them filed down. When squirrels nest in attics, they often chew on electrical wires, which can lead to exposed wiring, short circuits, and even electrical fires. A house fire caused by chewed wires can cause extensive damage and put the lives of the occupants at risk.

• Damaged Insulation: Squirrels also chew through insulation, leaving it torn and ineffective. Insulation is crucial for maintaining temperature control in your home, and if it’s compromised by squirrels, your energy bills will increase. Additionally, the damage may result in moisture buildup, promoting mold growth.

• Chewing Holes and Entry Points: Squirrels can gnaw through wood, drywall, and other materials to create entry points into your home. They often widen these openings, making it easier for other pests to invade as well. If left unchecked, squirrels may cause severe damage to structural elements of your house.

2. Health Risks and Diseases

Squirrels, like many wild animals, carry a variety of diseases and parasites that can pose serious health risks to humans and pets. Some of the most common dangers include:

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through squirrel urine, which may contaminate surfaces in your attic or other areas they frequent. It can cause symptoms ranging from fever to liver and kidney damage, and in extreme cases, it can be fatal if left untreated.

• Ticks and Fleas: Squirrels are known to carry fleas and ticks, which can easily spread to your pets or even to humans. Flea infestations can cause itching and skin irritation, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other serious illnesses.

• Salmonella: Squirrel droppings and urine can also be a source of salmonella, a bacteria that can contaminate surfaces and cause food poisoning. Cleaning up after a squirrel infestation without the proper protection can lead to the accidental spread of harmful pathogens.

• Roundworm: This parasitic infection is commonly found in squirrel feces. When handling contaminated materials or coming into contact with droppings, there is a risk of infection, especially if you accidentally ingest contaminated particles.

3. The Cost of Repairing Damage

The financial impact of a squirrel infestation can be substantial. Repairing the damage caused by squirrels can be a costly endeavor. The price of repairing damaged electrical wiring, replacing insulation, fixing chewed-up structural components, and removing nests can quickly add up.

Additionally, the longer you wait to address the problem, the worse the damage can become. If squirrels continue to chew on wires, insulation, and other materials, the damage may extend beyond just your attic. It can affect the roof, walls, and even the foundation of your home, increasing the cost of repairs.

4. Squirrel Prevention and Control

If you suspect a squirrel infestation or want to prevent one, there are several steps you can take:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps around vents, chimneys, windows, and rooflines. Squirrels can fit through surprisingly small holes, so it’s important to seal any cracks or gaps around your home.

• Trim Trees and Branches: Squirrels can easily leap from trees onto your roof, so trimming overhanging branches can help prevent them from accessing your attic or other areas of your home.

• Remove Food Sources: Squirrels are often attracted to easy food sources like bird feeders, compost piles, and pet food left outside. By removing these temptations, you reduce the chances of squirrels trying to enter your home.

• Humane Trapping and Removal: If squirrels have already invaded, it’s crucial to remove them safely and humanely. Professional wildlife removal services can help safely relocate squirrels without causing harm to them or violating local wildlife laws.

Conclusion

While squirrels may seem harmless, they can cause serious damage to your home, pose health risks, and lead to costly repairs. Homeowners should take preventative measures to keep these persistent critters out of their homes. If you suspect an infestation or have already experienced squirrel-related damage, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible to protect your property, health, and safety.

By working with professional wildlife removal experts, you can ensure that your home remains secure and safe from these mischievous, but dangerous, invaders.