Are Squirrels Pests?

Squirrels may look like cute, harmless creatures as they scurry about your yard, but when they invade your home, they quickly turn from charming wildlife to troublesome pests. Their acrobatic skills and relentless drive to find food, warmth, and shelter can significantly damage residential and commercial properties. Here's why squirrels are considered pests and how to prevent them from becoming a problem.

Sneaky Intruders

Squirrels are expert climbers and can easily shimmy across cables, leap from tree branches, and scale walls to find their way into your home. Once they identify a small opening, such as a damaged vent screen, uncapped chimney, or a gap in your shingles, they don't hesitate to make the opening bigger to fit through. In the process, they can cause extensive damage to your home. Not only do they create entry points for other pests, but they also bring along their own set of problems, like fleas and ticks, making your home a haven for even more unwanted guests.

Nesting Nightmares

Once inside, squirrels waste no time making themselves at home. They build nests using whatever materials they can find, often tearing through your home's insulation, paper, fabrics, and even structural components. The damage caused by nesting squirrels can lead to costly repairs, including replacing insulation, fixing drafts, and addressing safety concerns. Squirrels aren't just making a home for themselves—they're turning your attic into a disaster zone.

The Gnawing Menace

As rodents, squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, so they must constantly gnaw to keep them in check. Unfortunately, this means they may target your home's electrical wiring. Soft, plastic-wrapped wires are particularly appealing to squirrels, but their gnawing can result in exposed wires, leading to potential fire hazards and other electrical problems. The damage caused by squirrels gnawing on wires is not only dangerous but can also be costly to repair.

Structural Damage and Health Risks

Squirrels' relentless chewing, scratching, and digging can lead to significant structural damage in your home. They can weaken timbers, create holes in insulation, and ruin stored belongings in attics or basements. Beyond the physical damage, squirrels are also known carriers of diseases, including rabies (though rare), which can pose health risks to humans and pets.

How to Prevent a Squirrel Infestation

Preventing a squirrel infestation starts with making your home less attractive to these furry invaders. Here are some tips:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any possible entry points, including cracks around doors and windows, and seal them up.

2. Trim Tree Branches: Keep tree limbs trimmed back 6 to 8 feet from your roofline to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your roof.

3. Secure Vents and Chimneys: Install screens on vents and chimneys to block potential entry points.

4. Proper Food Storage: Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly to avoid attracting squirrels.

5. Remove Bird Feeders: Bird feeders are a significant attractant for squirrels. If you're having issues, consider removing them from your yard.

Dealing with a Squirrel Invasion: Hire a Professional

If squirrels do manage to get inside, addressing the problem swiftly is crucial to minimize damage. While DIY removal might seem tempting, it can be dangerous and lead to further complications. Instead, hire a pest control professional specializing in nuisance wildlife to safely and effectively remove the squirrels and secure your home from future invasions. Protect your property and peace of mind by calling in the experts when dealing with a squirrel infestation.