Squirrels are cute and fluffy creatures that are often seen scampering around gardens and parks, collecting nuts and other food. They’re a delight to watch, but when these little critters go wild, they can cause serious damage to your home and property. From chewing through electrical wires to nesting in attics and walls, squirrels can wreak havoc if left unchecked. As a homeowner or property manager, it’s important to understand the risks associated with squirrels gone wild and take necessary steps to repair any damage they’ve caused.
The risks of squirrel damage
Squirrels may seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage to your home and property. They love to chew, and their sharp teeth can easily gnaw through wood, plastic, and even metal. If they get into your attic or walls, they might chew on electrical wires, which can cause a fire. It can even make homeowners wonder if there is a bat removal and control issue instead. In addition, squirrels can bring in fleas, ticks, and other pests, which can infest your home. If left unattended, a squirrel infestation can also cause structural damage to your home, which can be expensive to repair.
Signs of squirrel damage
It’s important to be able to identify the signs of squirrel damage if you want to prevent an infestation. Common signs of squirrel damage include:
Chewing marks on wood, plastic, and metal surfaces
Nests made of leaves, twigs, and other materials in your attic or walls
Scratching or scurrying sounds coming from your attic or walls
Droppings, urine stains, and other signs of animal activity in and around your home
Holes in your roof or siding that squirrels may have used to gain access to your home
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage.
Prevention tips for avoiding squirrel infestations
The best way to deal with squirrels is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid squirrel infestations:
Seal any openings or holes in your roof, walls, or foundation with steel wool, caulk, or other sealants.
Trim any tree branches that are close to your home to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your roof.
Store food in airtight containers, and keep your garbage cans sealed.
Keep your lawn and garden free of fallen fruit, nuts, or any other food sources that might attract squirrels.
Install squirrel-proof bird feeders, or avoid feeding birds altogether, as this can attract squirrels.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the chances of a squirrel infestation.
Repairing squirrel damage to your home
If squirrels have already caused damage to your home, it’s important to take action to repair the damage as soon as possible. Here are some tips to help you repair squirrel damage:
Replace any damaged electrical wires, insulation, or other materials in your attic or walls.
Repair any holes or openings that squirrels may have used to gain access to your home
Clean up any droppings, urine stains, or other signs of animal activity.
Disinfect the affected areas to get rid of any germs or bacteria that may be present.
Consider hiring a professional to help with repairs, especially if the damage is extensive.
By repairing the damage, you can prevent further infestations and ensure that your home is safe and secure.
How to safely and humanely remove squirrels from your property
If you already have a squirrel infestation, it’s important to remove them from your property safely and humanely. Here are some tips to help you do so from Charlottesville’s squirrel removal experts:
Identify the entry points that squirrels are using to access your home.
Set up live traps in these areas to capture the squirrels.
Once you’ve captured the squirrels, release them into a wooded area far from your home.
Seal any entry points to prevent squirrels from re-entering your home.
Consider using repellents or deterrents to keep squirrels away from your property.
It’s important to note that you should never try to handle squirrels yourself, as they can be carriers of diseases such as rabies.
Common myths about squirrel behavior debunked
There are many myths surrounding squirrel behavior that can lead to misunderstandings and make it difficult to deal with an infestation. Here are some common myths about squirrels debunked:
Myth: Squirrels hibernate in the winter.
Fact: Squirrels do not hibernate, but they may become less active during the winter months.
Myth: Squirrels only eat nuts.
Fact: Squirrels are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and insects.
Myth: Squirrels are solitary creatures.
Fact: Squirrels are social animals that live in groups and communicate with each other through a variety of sounds and gestures.
By understanding these facts, you can better deal with a squirrel infestation.
DIY squirrel control methods
There are many DIY squirrel control methods that you can try if you want to deal with an infestation on your own. Here are some tips:
Use repellents such as mothballs, ammonia, or hot pepper spray to keep squirrels away from your property.
Install squirrel-proof bird feeders or use a baffle to keep squirrels from accessing them.
Use noise or light deterrents to scare squirrels away from your home.
Set up live traps to capture squirrels and release them far from your property.
Place squirrel-proof mesh over openings or holes to prevent squirrels from entering your home.
While these methods can be effective, it’s important to keep in mind that they may not work in all situations.
When to call in a professional wildlife removal service
If you’re dealing with a severe squirrel infestation, it’s best to call in a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and equipment needed to safely and humanely remove squirrels from your property. They can also repair any damage that squirrels have caused and provide you with tips to prevent future infestations. While this can be more expensive than DIY methods, it’s often the best way to deal with a serious squirrel problem.
Conclusion
Squirrels may seem harmless, but when they go wild, they can cause serious damage to your home and property. By understanding the risks associated with squirrels gone wild and taking necessary steps to prevent and repair any damage they’ve caused, you can protect your home and keep those pesky squirrels at bay. Whether you choose to use DIY methods or call in a professional, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further infestations. With these tips, you can keep your home safe and secure from squirrels gone wild.