When squirrels are outside, playing in your yard and collecting acorns, they are harmless and essential to a balanced ecosystem. However, if they make their way into your home, they can do more damage to your home and property than you may think. You have to watch out for signs of squirrels’ nests; they like to build nests and store food in warm, empty areas such as attics, garages, and sheds. As a result of the potential damage, squirrel removal is an important step to keep your home and family safe. To help homeowners understand the risks of squirrel damage and the need for prompt and professional removal, the following highlights some main points of concern.
Common Types of Squirrel Damage
While squirrels typically search for food sources outside, they can find themselves in your home as they seek shelter. If squirrels enter your home, then they are likely to cause a lot of damage. To help understand the risks, then the following outlines the main types of damage that squirrels tend to cause.
Wire Damage
Squirrels can chew through wood, wires, insulation, and more. Most homes that are up to building code should have wires encased in a metal tube to prevent squirrels from chewing through them, and a breaker should also protect the home if the wires are chewed home, but you do not want to take any chances.
Wood Damage
Many people wonder, “can squirrels chew through wood?” The answer is a resounding “yes.” Squirrels can chew holes through the wooden weaves of your home which could cause water damage. These holes may cause mold, or black mold, to enter your home. Black mold is extremely dangerous, and it is difficult to remove without the help of a professional. Squirrels can also get into the walls, which makes it really important to follow up with an expert for squirrels in wall removal. If squirrels chew through wood, it can lead to expensive roof and wall repairs for homeowners.
Attic Damage
If squirrels enter an attic space, they can cause a vast amount of damage–even if they are only in the attic for one day! Squirrels are very high energy, so they can cause a lot of destruction wherever they go. Not only do you have to spend a lot of time cleaning up and repairing their mess, but sometimes they can chew through the floor. Furthermore, when squirrels run around an attic, they are urinating and leaving fecal waste all over the space. You do not want to deal with this mess! Plus, as squirrels (or any animal) leave behind their waste, then it introduces health concerns for you and your family.
Common FAQs about Squirrel Removal
What are the signs that indicate a squirrel infestation in my home?
Signs of a squirrel infestation may include noises such as scratching or scurrying in the attic or walls, visible gnaw marks on wood, and evidence of nesting materials or squirrel droppings. Detecting these early can help prevent extensive damage and potentially make the removal and cleanup easier.
What methods are most effective for safely removing squirrels from my property?
For safely removing squirrels, live trapping is a commonly recommended method. This involves using a cage with bait to capture the squirrels without harming them, followed by relocation as per local wildlife laws. If these animals have found a way into your house, their presence suddenly becomes obvious and irritating. Instead of trapping these pests on your own, call a wildlife control expert.
Are there any legal considerations I need to be aware of when removing squirrels?
Legal considerations for removing squirrels vary by location. Many areas require you to obtain a permit or hire a licensed professional for wildlife removal. It’s important to check local regulations to ensure compliance and humane treatment of the animals.
How can I prevent squirrels from re-entering my home after they’ve been removed?
To prevent squirrels from re-entering your home, seal all potential entry points such as holes in the exterior walls, gaps around windows, and uncapped chimneys. Additionally, removing attractants such as accessible pet food or bird feeders can discourage their return. Additionally, once squirrels are removed, then professional pest control experts have the experience to safely clean up any waste, along with identifying and sealing entry points.
What should I do if I find a squirrel nest in my attic or walls?
If you find a squirrel nest in your attic or walls, it’s important not to disturb it, especially during the breeding season. Contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely relocate the nest and its occupants, ensuring compliance with local wildlife protection laws. Also, working with a professional pest control team will help ensure that your home is “squirrel-proof” and any damage is repaired properly.
Clearly, squirrels cause trouble wherever they go and are one of the most commonly requested services. If you learn that you have squirrels in your attic, walls, garage, or anywhere in your home, contact Eliminate ‘Em Pest Control Services today. Given the severe damage that squirrels can cause, we know how important it is to get fast, professional, and courteous removal service. You need squirrel removal in your home and we are here to help. We are a family-owned company with experienced pest exterminators that can protect your home from these pesky rodents.
