Squirrels might be adorable when they’re darting around the park, but when they decide your attic is the perfect place to settle down, they become more of a nuisance than a cute spectacle. These furry little invaders are surprisingly destructive, and once they’ve moved in, they can cause more problems than you’d expect. Here's a look at the chaos squirrels can create in your home and what you can do to keep them out for good.
1. Chew Everything in Sight
Squirrels are notorious for their gnawing habits. Their teeth never stop growing, so to keep them sharp and at a manageable length, they chew on just about anything—wood, plastic, electrical wires, and even your personal belongings.
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Electrical Wires: One of the most dangerous things squirrels chew on is your home's electrical wiring. They’ll gnaw through insulation, leaving live wires exposed. This not only poses a fire hazard but can also cause unexpected power outages or short circuits.
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Water Lines and Pipes: Squirrels won’t stop at wires. PVC piping used for water lines can also fall victim to their relentless teeth. Chewed-through pipes can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
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Home Access Points: To get into your attic in the first place, squirrels will often chew their way through siding, shingles, or vents. They only need a hole about an inch wide, and if it’s too small, they’ll happily make it bigger by chewing away at the edges.
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Personal Belongings: Have old boxes, clothes, or family keepsakes stored in your attic? Squirrels may see those soft materials as perfect nesting material. They’ll shred through fabric, paper, and cardboard to create their cozy, flammable nests—which is the last thing you want near your electrical wires!
2. Health Risks You Didn’t Expect
Squirrels don’t just bring physical damage—they can also carry health risks that affect both your family and your pets. While these little rodents may look harmless, they often carry parasites and diseases that can make their presence far more dangerous than you might realize.
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Ticks and Lyme Disease: Squirrels are known to carry ticks that can transmit Lyme disease. These tiny parasites can latch onto humans or pets, posing serious health risks.
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Fleas and Mites: A squirrel infestation can also bring along unwelcome guests like fleas and mites, which can spread quickly throughout your home, leading to discomfort and potential health issues for you and your pets.
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Rabies: Although rare, squirrels can carry rabies. While they’re not as aggressive as some other animals, any bite or scratch from a rabid squirrel could result in serious consequences.
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Leptospirosis and Salmonella: Squirrels’ feces and urine can carry bacteria like leptospirosis and salmonella. If these bacteria contaminate food or water sources, they can cause severe illness in humans and animals.
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Tularemia: Another disease squirrels may carry is tularemia, which can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, their droppings, or contaminated water.
3. Fire Hazards in Your Attic
Squirrel nests might seem harmless at first glance, but these collections of soft materials like paper, fabric, and insulation can turn into fire hazards. When they build nests near electrical components or inside vents, the risk of those nests catching fire increases dramatically.
- Vents and Chimneys: Squirrels love building nests in vents and chimneys, where they can go unnoticed for long periods. These nests can obstruct airflow, leading to ventilation issues, while also posing a serious fire risk if they’re near heat sources.
4. How to Keep Squirrels Out for Good
If you want to avoid the damage and health risks caused by squirrel invasions, prevention is key. Here are some effective steps to keep these critters from turning your attic into their new home.
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Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for any gaps or openings that squirrels could squeeze through. Seal up any holes in your siding, roof, or foundation, and consider adding mesh covers to vents and chimneys to block access.
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Trim Trees and Branches: Squirrels are expert climbers, and trees near your home provide an easy way for them to jump onto your roof. Trim back any overhanging branches to make it harder for them to access your home.
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Secure Trash and Food Sources: Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, so make sure your trash cans are tightly sealed and that no food is left out in your yard. Bird feeders can also attract squirrels, so try using squirrel-proof designs if you're an avid birdwatcher.
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Clean Up Your Attic: Don’t give squirrels the chance to make a nest out of your stored items. Keep your attic clean and organized, and use plastic storage containers rather than cardboard boxes to protect your belongings.
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Install Squirrel Repellents: There are various squirrel repellents available, from sprays to ultrasonic devices. You can also use natural repellents like peppermint oil, which squirrels tend to dislike.
5. Call in the Experts
If squirrels have already made their way into your attic, it's best not to tackle the problem on your own. Squirrel removal can be tricky, especially if you’re dealing with an established nest. Our professionals at Wildlife X Team are trained to handle squirrel infestations humanely and effectively.
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Humane Removal: We specialize in the safe and humane removal of squirrels from your home. After safely removing the animals, we’ll seal up any entry points to ensure they can’t come back.
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Damage Repair: We’ll also help repair any damage the squirrels caused, from chewed wires to damaged insulation, ensuring your home is safe and secure again.
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Sanitation and Clean-Up: Squirrels leave behind droppings, nests, and urine, all of which can pose health risks if not properly cleaned. Our team will sanitize and disinfect the area, using safe and effective solutions to remove any harmful bacteria or parasites.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Squirrels Take Over Your Home
Cute in the park? Absolutely. Cute in your attic? Definitely not. Squirrels may seem like harmless little creatures, but the damage they can cause to your home, belongings, and health is anything but harmless. By taking preventive steps and calling in the professionals when needed, you can protect your home from these persistent invaders and ensure they stay outside where they belong.
Wildlife & Pest Infestation
If you think that you have a wildlife or pest infestation, don't hesitate to reach out to us by calling us at 855-WILDLIFE or visiting www.wildlifexteam.com for more information.
Thanks!
-Wildlife x Team International