The Dangers Of Having Squirrels In Your Home
Protect Your Home from Squirrel Infestations
In recent weeks, many homeowners have reported hearing unusual scratching, scurrying, and other strange noises coming from their attics. These sounds are often the result of squirrels seeking shelter in your home. Squirrels typically have two litters of babies each year, and they require safe, warm spaces to nest. While these creatures may seem harmless, their presence in your attic can lead to significant damage and potential health hazards.
How Squirrels Can Damage Your Property
Squirrels may appear small, but they can cause considerable issues within your home. Here are some of the key ways they can pose a threat to both your property and your family’s health:
Wiring Damage
Squirrels are notorious for chewing on electrical wires. As rodents, their teeth grow continuously, and they instinctively gnaw on objects to keep them trimmed. In addition to damaging your wiring, squirrels chewing on electrical cables can create fire hazards within your home.
Exterior Damage
To gain access to your attic, squirrels will often cause damage to the exterior of your home. They may chew through siding, create holes in your roof, or gnaw around the edges of your attic. Once inside, they may continue to create additional openings. These external damages not only compromise the integrity of your home but also increase your vulnerability to water leaks and other weather-related issues.
Insulation Contamination
Insulation plays a critical role in regulating the temperature of your home, helping to reduce energy costs by keeping your space cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Squirrels can easily damage insulation by urinating and defecating on it, rendering it ineffective and forcing you to replace it.
Unpleasant Odors
The presence of squirrels in your attic can result in persistent, unpleasant odors throughout your home. Squirrel droppings can leave stains on your attic floor, which may eventually seep through to your ceilings. In addition, if a squirrel becomes trapped or dies within your walls, the resulting decay can lead to foul odors that are difficult and costly to remove.
Health Risks
Squirrels can also pose health risks. Their droppings can carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, and if squirrels decompose in your walls or attic, they can spread disease and attract other pests.
Common Entry Points for Squirrels
Squirrels are highly resourceful creatures and will often find ways to enter your home. Some common entry points include:
Gutters
Construction openings
Vents
Roof edges
Plumbing areas
Chimneys
Contact Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion for Professional Assistance
If you suspect a squirrel infestation in your attic, it’s important to act quickly. At Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion, we specialize in the removal of wildlife and provide effective solutions for preventing further damage. Our team will assess the situation, identify entry points, and recommend a comprehensive treatment plan to secure your home.
For expert squirrel control services, contact Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion today.
Allstate Trapping & Wildlife Exclusion – Reliable, Professional Pest Management for Your Home or Business