Wildlife Removal Company

🐿️ Squirrels: Cute, but Destructive Pests for Homeowners

Squirrels are a common sight in neighborhoods, parks, and forests, often seen darting across power lines or gathering acorns. While they may appear harmless and even charming, these small rodents can become a serious nuisance when they invade homes. Their natural behaviors—gnawing, nesting, and foraging—can lead to extensive property damage and pose significant health risks.

🏡 How Squirrels Invade Homes

Squirrels are highly adaptable creatures that can exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities in a home’s exterior. They typically enter through:

✔ Roof Gaps & Vents – Squirrels can squeeze through small openings, especially in soffits, eaves, and attic vents.
✔ Chimneys – Uncapped chimneys provide easy access for squirrels seeking shelter.
✔ Damaged Siding & Fascia – Weakened wood or loose shingles can be an entry point for persistent rodents.
✔ Openings Around Utility Lines – Gaps around power lines, plumbing, and HVAC systems are common access routes.

Once inside, squirrels establish nests in attics, walls, and crawl spaces, creating costly and dangerous problems for homeowners.

🛠️ The Dangers of Squirrels in Homes

🔥 Fire Hazards from Chewing

Squirrels have continuously growing teeth, requiring them to gnaw on hard surfaces to keep them in check. Unfortunately, this instinct leads them to chew on electrical wires, which can spark dangerous house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, rodents chewing through wiring are a leading cause of electrical fires in homes.

🏚️ Structural Damage

Squirrels can destroy insulation, wooden beams, and even drywall as they build nests. Their gnawing and clawing can weaken a home’s framework, leading to expensive repairs.

🦠 Health Risks

Squirrels can carry parasites, bacteria, and diseases that pose risks to humans and pets. These include:

• Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection spread through urine, which can cause flu-like symptoms and kidney damage.
• Salmonella – Found in squirrel droppings, potentially contaminating food and surfaces.
• Ticks, Fleas, and Mites – Squirrels often introduce parasites into homes, increasing the risk of infestations.

💰 Costly Repairs & Infestations

Ignoring a squirrel problem can result in thousands of dollars in damages. From attic restoration and electrical repairs to pest control for secondary infestations, homeowners may face hefty repair bills if the issue isn’t addressed quickly.

🚫 How to Prevent a Squirrel Infestation

Preventing squirrels from entering your home is the best way to avoid costly damage. Homeowners should:

✔ Seal Entry Points – Regularly inspect and repair any cracks, holes, or gaps in the roof, vents, and siding.
✔ Trim Overhanging Branches – Keep tree branches at least 8-10 feet away from your home to limit access.
✔ Install Chimney Caps & Vent Covers – Block common entry points while ensuring proper ventilation.
✔ Store Food Properly – Secure trash cans and avoid leaving birdseed or pet food outside.
✔ Act Fast – If you hear scratching or scurrying in your attic, contact a professional wildlife removal specialist before the problem worsens.

🔍 Professional Squirrel Removal & Damage Repair

DIY squirrel removal is often ineffective and can even be dangerous. Professional wildlife removal services ensure:

✅ Safe & Humane Trapping – Experts use proper techniques to remove squirrels without harm.
✅ Damage Repair & Prevention – Specialists restore damaged areas and implement exclusion methods to keep squirrels out.
✅ Legal & Ethical Compliance – Many states have strict laws on handling wildlife, and professionals ensure compliance.

If you suspect squirrels have taken up residence in your home, don’t wait until the damage escalates. Call a professional wildlife removal service to safeguard your home today! 🏡🐿️