Damage Caused by Squirrel Infestations

While squirrels may seem harmless as they play in your neighborhood, they become a serious threat when they invade your home, putting your property and family at risk. With their natural habitats shrinking, squirrels are increasingly seeking shelter in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces, gaining access through weak roofing, foundations, or existing openings. Once inside, they can establish nests and cause significant damage. Their spring mating calls may be annoying, but the real issues they bring are far more severe. It’s crucial to address these infestations promptly to prevent further damage.

Damage Caused by Squirrel Infestations

Squirrel infestations most frequently occur in attics, where they find your thermal insulation particularly inviting. Squirrels will shred insulation, reducing its effectiveness, and ductwork is often not spared from such destruction. Over time, the smell of squirrel urine will permeate your attic. Their tunneling can also create easy access for other pests like bats or insects or lead to a leaking roof. Should a squirrel die in the attic, the smell becomes even more nauseating than urine, potentially causing headaches and nausea. The most serious risk is the fire hazard posed by their constant gnawing. If squirrels chew through areas housing electrical wiring, it can result in a fire. These potential dangers should make homeowners more aware and cautious about the risks of squirrel infestations.

Health Risks

While less common, a squirrel infestation can pose health risks to humans. Squirrels can carry diseases such as tick fever, Powassan encephalitis, and rabies, and can host insects that introduce harmful microorganisms and illnesses. Due to these dangers, homeowners should avoid attempting their squirrel control measures. Even squirrels that seem unafraid may be rabid and should be avoided. Squirrels often bring ticks and fleas into homes, potentially infecting pets. These health risks underscore the importance of seeking professional help to manage squirrel infestations, rather than attempting DIY solutions.

Squirrel Management

Dealing with squirrel problems is a task best left to professionals. Attempting to handle the issue on your own is not recommended, as capturing or disposing of a single squirrel doesn’t prevent complications such as decaying offspring in inaccessible places like the attic or crawlspace. The health risks and potential for common mistakes outweigh the benefits of DIY solutions. Pest control experts have various methods to manage squirrel issues, including trapping and removing squirrels, using repellents, or deploying specialized lighting to deter them. However, it’s important to remember that even successful treatments might not eliminate future infestations if your home remains appealing to the local squirrel population. Therefore, securing structural vulnerabilities, especially around the roof, and installing preventive measures like chimney screens is essential to prevent future infestations.